US Alerts of Potential Major Iran Attack on Israel This Week, Boosts Military Presence in the Middle East
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/13th August 2024
The United States has raised alarms about the potential for a “significant” attack on Israel by Iran, which could take place within the week. This warning comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, with White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby indicating that preparations are underway for possible major attacks. Kirby’s statement follows recent high-level discussions between President Joe Biden and leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy aimed at mitigating regional tensions.
Kirby conveyed to reporters that the US shares Israel’s concerns about the potential timing and scale of the threats. “We must be prepared for what might be a significant series of attacks,” Kirby emphasized. This development has led the US to expedite its military deployments to the region, sending an additional carrier strike group, the USS Abraham Lincoln, along with F-35C fighters, and the guided missile submarine USS Georgia to reinforce the already stationed USS Theodore Roosevelt.
The recent military buildup underscores a commitment to support Israel and send a firm warning against any further escalation of violence by Iran or its affiliated groups. On Monday, a joint statement from President Biden and European leaders urged Iran to halt its threats of military action against Israel. The statement highlighted the severe implications such an attack would have for regional security and stressed the urgent need for effective aid distribution.
The leaders collectively voiced their support for de-escalation efforts and called for a ceasefire and a deal for releasing hostages in Gaza. They also endorsed ongoing diplomatic initiatives by President Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, which aim to resume peace talks later this week. The joint statement reaffirmed support for Israel’s defense against Iranian aggression and attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups.
The heightened alert follows recent events that have exacerbated tensions. Last month, the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran led to retaliatory threats from Iran. Although Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, it had previously threatened such action against senior Hamas figures due to their involvement in the October 7 terrorist attacks.
The situation has been further complicated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announcing the killing of Haniyeh in a Tehran attack. Reports from Press TV indicated that a projectile struck a residence in Tehran, resulting in Haniyeh’s death along with his bodyguard.
Additionally, the IDF reported the death of Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. Shukr, a key figure in Hezbollah’s military strategy, was killed in retaliation for a rocket attack on the Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 children.
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