What it is about
A senior U.S. official cautioned Iran on Friday against retaliating for the death of a top Hamas official by attacking Israel, suggesting dire consequences for Tehran and jeopardizing ongoing Gaza truce talks.
Why it matters
The message comes at a critical time when negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza are closer than ever, thanks to intensive diplomatic efforts led by the United States.
Key Details
The U.S. official, speaking anonymously, warned Iran that an attack on Israel would lead to “cataclysmic” results, urging Tehran to steer clear. This warning aligns with President Joe Biden’s statements on the progress made in recent talks held in Qatar.
“Cataclysmic Consequences”
“We would encourage the Iranians not to move down that road, because the consequences could be quite cataclysmic, particularly for Iran,” the official stated.
Progress Toward Peace
President Biden highlighted significant advances made in negotiations focused on achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal in the long-standing Gaza conflict. He underscored that these were the most constructive talks in months, largely due to U.S. mediation efforts.
Conditional Truce
The unnamed U.S. official pointed out the irony of Iran possibly jeopardizing the truce since it was “Hamas, a proxy of Iran, that started this war on October 7.” The implication is that any aggressive action by Iran would derail the best opportunity for a lasting truce.
The Iranian Angle
Iran had previously threatened retaliation against Israel for a July 31 attack in Tehran that killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, although Israel has not officially taken responsibility. With negotiations showing promise, Iran appears to be reconsidering immediate retaliation.
International Stance
Foreign Minister Israel Katz expressed confidence in international support for “attacking significant targets” within Iran if necessary. U.S., British, and French officials are reportedly preparing for “every possible contingency” to defend Israel, showing a united front against potential Iranian aggression.
Closing Remarks
The United States affirmed its commitment to protecting Israel against any threats from Iran, emphasizing that diplomatic and military measures would be employed as needed to maintain peace and security in the region.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.