Iranian insider: Putin urges Tehran to moderate
The attack on Hamas' external chief Haniyeh in the heart of Tehran strikes a blow to Iran's leadership, which vows retaliation and threatens Israel with a counterstrike. Russia's President Putin, according to insiders, is urging Iran's leadership to show restraint in its retaliatory actions against Israel. Putin's envoy and Secretary of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, reportedly conveyed this message during a meeting with President Massoud Peschkani and senior security officials on Monday. Putin is said to be advising Iran to refrain from targeting Israeli civilians. The message was directed at Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. There has been no statement from the Kremlin on this report. Iran holds Israel responsible for the targeted killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and has threatened retaliation.
Iran's leadership, meanwhile, also seeks to avoid escalation, but insists on a response. Iranian insiders suggest that the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh is seen as an attempt to provoke a larger military conflict, drawing in other powers to ignite a regional inferno.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's killing, but has acknowledged the killing of Palestinian militant commander Mohammed Deif in Gaza in mid-July, and the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut a few days ago. Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Yemeni Houthi rebels, all part of Iran's 'Axis of Resistance', have also threatened retaliation, raising fears of escalation in the Middle East.
Russia has strengthened its ties with Iran since the start of its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and plans to expand cooperation. According to Iranian insiders, Tehran is particularly pushing for the delivery of Russian Su-35 fighter jets. Russia is using Iranian Shahed drones in its war against Ukraine, often against civilian targets.
The European Union, expressing concern over the escalating tension, has urged both Iran and Israel to deescalate the situation and uphold international law. Despite its strengthened ties with Iran, Russia, while advocating for restraint, emphasizes that Iran should avoid targeting Israeli civilians in its response.
