Can Global Powers Avert an All-Out Conflict?
Table of Contents
US Allies Urged to De-escalate Tensions
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned G7 counterparts that an Iranian attack on Israel could take place on Monday, August 5, according to a report by Axios. Blinkin held a conference call with US allies to mount diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah to decrease the risk of all-out war in the highly-volatile region.
He said the recent deployment of U.S. warships and fighter jets to the Middle East is purely defensive. From there, the G7 ministers issued a statement expressing their ‘deep concern’ over the rising tensions. They urged the parties not to resort to further violence but engage in constructive dialogue that would de-escalate the situation, pointing out that no country would win from an increased conflict.
Concerns Over Iran’s Retaliatory Capabilities
The White House is worried that Iran’s retaliation could mirror the fusillade of ballistic missiles and drones it fired against Israel on April 13, only this time much more substantial, with other enemies piling on. This has heightened tension on a large scale, particularly in the context of recent regional developments. The ability of Tehran to hit back has risen as it has been under high-profile assassinations attributed to Israel. The situation is really explosive, as the Middle East is teetering on a larger-than-expected conflict that may soon engulf the world with its far-reaching consequences for world stability.
Israel’s Consideration of Preemptive Strikes
Amid these rising tensions, Tel Aviv has been said to be mulling preemptive strikes. According to Times of Israel, a high-level meeting was called which involved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, and the chiefs of Mossad and Shin Bet. It centered on the question of launching a pre-emptive attack against Iran if it had irrevocable proof that Tehran was launching an attack. That strategic consideration underlined Israel’s position to take tough action if it senses a direct and immediate threat to national security.
Impact of Recent High-Profile Assassinations
Also, there is a sense of urgency considering the recent assassinations of people like Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Faud Shukr in Beirut. These have escalated the level of conflict between Israel and its enemies. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to avenge the killing, referring to it as a criminal act by the “Zionist regime” and an affront to Iran in person. He pronounced that Haniyeh’s blood shall, whatever the case, be avenged at whatever cost, making the risk of retaliatory actions that could ignite a wider conflict very high.
Mossad’s Operation in Tehran
Reports indicate that Mossad hired Iranian agents who planted a bomb in the guesthouse where Haniyeh was accommodated. After the bomb was planted, it was detonated remotely after confirmation that Haniyeh was in the room; the agents managed to escape. This operation has increased tension significantly, bringing possible warfare closer to the region. The precision and the boldness of this operation reveal the extent to which Israel is prepared to go in laying low whatever it perceives as threats, further inflaming an already volatile situation.
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