The US government fears that possible retaliatory strikes against Israel by Iran and its allies are imminent. John Kirby, communications director for the National Security Council, said yesterday that the US shares Israel’s assessment that this could happen “this week.” He stressed that this assessment by the US side is consistent with that of the Israelis.
“A major series of attacks” are feared.
“It’s hard to say at this point what an attack by Iran and its proxies would look like,” Kirby said. “But we have to be prepared for a potential series of attacks that could be significant, and that’s why the United States has increased its military presence in the region.” At the same time, Kirby warned that no one wants further escalation in the Middle East.
The US military has recently expanded its presence there by several steps in light of an expected Iranian counterattack on Israel. The United States, Israel’s most important ally, has sent additional warships and fighter jets to the region.
high alert
After the killing of Hezbollah's military commander in Lebanon and the leader of the Islamist Hamas movement allied with the organization in Tehran, Iran and Hezbollah announced revenge.
Hamas Foreign Minister Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an explosion at an Iranian government guesthouse in late July. Iran blames Israel. The country has yet to comment. Israel, in turn, has claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of Hezbollah’s military commander.
The Israeli armed forces have been on high alert for days. Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi confirmed after a meeting with senior military officials that the army remains at a high level of readiness to prepare for offensive and defensive measures.
The United States and four European countries stand behind Israel.
The United States and its European allies Germany, Great Britain, Italy and France yesterday backed Israel in a joint statement. The letter from US President Joe Biden and the heads of state and government of the four European countries said that an attack on Iran “would have serious consequences for security in the region.” Tehran must “cease its continued threats to launch a military attack on Israel.”
The statement added that efforts to calm the situation and reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip would be supported. “It is important not to waste any more time,” the five politicians explained after a joint phone call. Therefore, as suggested by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, negotiations should resume this week.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also held phone calls with the Iranian president.
Masoud Pishkian.
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