US fears Iran's retaliation is imminent
Israel has been preparing for a possible attack by Iran or its proxies for days. The Americans warn that such a strike could be imminent. It is unclear what Israel is expecting.
The US government fears that possible retaliatory strikes by Iran and its allies against Israel could be imminent. The US shares Israel's assessment that such an attack could occur "this week," said John Kirby, the communications director of the National Security Council. He emphasized that this was an assessment by the US that aligns with that of the Israelis.
"It's difficult to say at this point what an Iranian attack and its proxies could look like," said Kirby. "But we must be prepared for a possible series of attacks that could be significant." For this reason, the US has reinforced its military posture in the region. At the same time, Kirby warned that no one wants further escalation in the Middle East. The US military has been building up its presence in the region in several steps in anticipation of the expected Iranian counterattack on Israel. The US, Israel's most important ally, has brought in additional warships and combat aircraft to the region.
After the killing of a military commander of Hezbollah in Lebanon and a leader of the Islamic Jihad, which is affiliated with the organization, in Tehran, Iran and Hezbollah announced massive retaliation. The external leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an explosion in a guest house of the Iranian government at the end of July. Iran accuses Israel. So far, Israel has not commented on this. Israel has claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of the military commander of Hezbollah.
Biden speaks with heads of state
Israel's military forces have been on high alert for days. After a meeting with senior military officials, the Israeli Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, stressed that the army remains in high alert to prepare for both offensive and defensive measures.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has consulted with several European heads of state and government about the danger of an Iranian retaliatory strike. Biden spoke with the heads of government of Germany, Britain, and Italy, as well as the French president, said Kirby further. Together, they call on Iran to end its threats of attack against Israel.
In a joint statement, they said that such an attack would have "serious consequences for regional security." Tehran should "cease its continued threats of a military attack on Israel." The efforts to de-escalate the situation and reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip are supported, the statement said. "Time is running out," the five politicians said after a joint telephone call. Therefore, negotiations should be resumed this week, as proposed by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
Given the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with potential retaliatory attacks from Iran's proxies, the international community is taking notice.
Given the imminent threat of 'Wars and Conflicts', Biden and other European leaders have appealed to Iran to cease its threats against Israel, warning of severe repercussions for regional security.
