THE Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) hinted at an imminent retaliatory attack against Israel, Saturday (25/8). The decision adds to speculation that the long-awaited retaliation against Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh may come in the coming days.
Iranian officials have openly vowed to avenge Haniyeh’s murder, which they blame on Israel. However, daily headlines predicting an imminent attack from Iran against Israel since Haniyeh’s murder have not materialized.
“You will hear good news about Iran’s revenge,” IRGC Commander Hossein Salami told a crowd during a visit to a border area in western Iran, when asked about the promise of retaliation.
Media reports and official statements indicate that Iran may continue its promised retaliation after the end of the Arbaeen prayer on Monday (26/8) and Israeli media anticipates an attack by Lebanon’s Hezbollah in the coming days.
“Israel expects a Hezbollah retaliatory strike in the coming days and may be swift and immediate,” Israel’s Channel 12 reported.
IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel is facing a crucial week amid ongoing talks in Cairo, fighting in Gaza and the northern border. “Our readiness is very high in attack and defense,” Hagari said.
Read also: The Real Reason Iran Hasn’t Retaliated Against Israel
Hagari also asked the public to remain vigilant. His party will immediately provide the latest information on any developments.
On August 13, it quoted three Iranian officials as saying that only a ceasefire agreement in Gaza resulting from ongoing negotiations would restrain Iran from direct retaliation against Israel for Haniyeh’s killing.
However, Iranian authorities have openly stated that the response to Israel has nothing to do with the ceasefire in Gaza, although Tehran may launch attacks in a way that will not harm the ceasefire talks.
Read also: Prevent Escalation, Biden Sends Two Officials to the Middle East
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday (August 24) with his Egyptian counterpart underlined the Islamic Republic’s legitimate right to respond to Israel’s killing of Haniyeh in Tehran.
As part of diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilization, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in his conversation with Araghchi expressed hope that mediation efforts could ease regional tensions and prevent a cycle of violence and escalation.
The top US military official, General Charles Brown, began an unannounced visit to the Middle East on Saturday (8/24), signaling Washington’s concern over the potential for a new escalation in tensions that could lead to a wider conflict.
Read also: Palestinian President: Iran Will Retaliate Against Israel in a Few Hours
Brown, who is also chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the need to prevent a wider escalation and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to avoid a larger conflict.
“When I talk to my counterparts, what are the things we can do to prevent a broader escalation and make sure we take all the appropriate steps to avoid a broader conflict,” Brown said before landing in Jordan.
Brown’s visit to the region, including stops in Jordan, Egypt and Israel, comes at a critical time as the United States seeks to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported on Saturday that Hamas has rejected the American proposal and firmly opposes the Israeli presence along the Philadelphia Axis and the Netzarim corridor, further complicating the prospects for a ceasefire.
The conflict, now entering its 11th month, has sparked border clashes between Israel and Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah.
US forces have also come under attack from Iran-aligned militias in Syria, Iraq and Jordan, further complicating the situation. (Iranintl/Z-2)
#Iran #Renews #Threat #Attack #Israel
