The White House has issued a stark warning, indicating that Iran or its proxies are “increasingly likely” to launch an attack on Israel in the coming days. This potential attack could occur “as soon as this week,” according to John F. Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council. The warning comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following two high-profile Israeli military operations.
On July 31, Israel carried out the assassination of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran, followed shortly by an airstrike that targeted Hezbollah’s senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Lebanon. These actions have escalated tensions, leading Iran to vow retaliation.
In response to the escalating situation, five world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have called on Iran to “stand down.” In a joint statement, the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy expressed their support for ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas and urged Iran to avoid further violence.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing, with ceasefire discussions being mediated by Egypt and Qatar. These talks are expected to resume on Thursday, but the White House has warned that any attack by Iran could lead to delays or complications in these negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are maintaining peak readiness, increasing air patrols over Lebanon and continuing daily strikes on potential threats. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has emphasized the importance of maintaining high readiness for both offensive and defensive operations.
In a show of support for Israel, the US Pentagon has reinforced its military presence in the region. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East, alongside additional combat aircraft and missile-defense ships.
As the situation remains fluid, world leaders continue to push for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation and ensure regional stability.
