Tensions are always high in Middle East while international diplomacy works to cool the situation and prevent the conflict from escalating.
Fears of an Iranian response to Israel are still highbut White House officials believe that U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to rein in Iran after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran are bearing fruit and the Islamic republic may reconsider its “heavy-handed” response plan, the Washington Post reports.
“We are moving forward towards victory. I know that the Israeli citizens are on high alert and I ask you one thing: remain calm and composed. We are prepared for both defense and attack, we are striking our enemies and we are also determined to defend ourselves,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who today visited the army’s Tel Hashomer recruiting base. Speaking to the troops, he expressed his pride in the soldiers, calling them the “backbone of the nation.”
Meanwhile, statements from the countries involved follow one another: “The Zionist criminal gang does not respect any rule or law and will surely receive a harsh response from Iran for having killed the leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh”. This was stated by Commander of the Iranian Army, Abdullah Mousaviadding that the response will be strong and the appointment of Yahya Sinwar as head of Hamas’ political bureau proves that Israel should have no hope for its future. “The Zionists have understood that their collapse has been accelerated, so they are trying to slow it down by taking blind measures but their wish will not come true and they will be annihilated,” Mousavi said, as reported by Irna.
“Unfortunately, some European countries have remained silent about the terrorist actions of the Zionist regime and the violations of international law and this has led the arrogance of the gang that rules Tel Aviv to increase and spread tension and insecurity in the region,” said the Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheriduring a telephone conversation with his Austrian counterpart, Alexander Schallenberg.
“The European side has virtually blocked all diplomatic channels by not condemning the obvious terrorist aggression of the Zionist regime and preventing the UN Security Council from adopting an effective and deterrent decision against the Zionist regime,” the head of Tehran’s diplomacy added. According to the Iranian government, Schallenberg said that “calling on all parties to exercise restraint, Austria emphasizes the need to use all diplomatic capabilities to minimize tensions.”
Iran will not make any compromise to defend its national securityterritorial integrity and national sovereignty. Bagheri said this during a phone call with his British counterpart David Lammy. “The aggressive and terrorist actions of the Zionist regime in the region only cause instability in the region,” Bagheri added, while “after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, (the head of the political bureau of Hamas killed in Tehran last week), by Israel, the European parties have wasted the first opportunity for diplomacy without acting and even not condemning this act that violates international peace and security,” Bagheri stressed, adding that this behavior of the Europeans will have no other result than “encouraging the Zionist regime to continue terrorist activities and promote instability and insecurity in the region.” According to Mehr, Lammy said that “Israel and Lebanon are on the brink of war and if we do not exercise restraint we will see disastrous results that are not in anyone’s interest.”
Tajani: “We are working to avoid a disproportionate reaction from Tehran”
“We are doing everything we can, as the G7, with the Arab countries in the area, Iraq, we are all inviting Iran to use the utmost caution in this reaction.” This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, on Morning News, on Canale 5. “Of course it is also an appeal to Israel because all the parties involved must realize that crossing a certain limit in the conflict means giving rise to a regional war that would have very serious consequences,” Tajani continued. “We are working day and night through diplomatic channels, initiatives, discussions, trying to convince the interlocutors, even those closest to Iran, to push so that Tehran does not have a disproportionate reaction. We hope that diplomacy can achieve positive results, you must never give up when you want to build peace. Of course Israel must also do its part, understand that the stability of the entire area is also in its hands, while still ensuring that it must guarantee its independence,” he added.
“We continue to say absolutely not to travel to southern Lebanon and to use the utmost caution. Those who can return are better off doing so.“, Tajani reiterated. “There are about 4,000 Italians in Lebanon. However, most of them have dual citizenship and are residents. There are 300-350 who are there for work or other reasons. Some have already returned on scheduled flights, listening to our appeal, it is about ten people”, he continued. “In any case, our embassy in Beirut and our crisis unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are working 24 hours a day to provide all the necessary information to our fellow citizens who need to know how to try to return”, he concluded.
The Washington Post: “US Efforts to Restrain Iran Are Paying Off”
Fears of an Iranian response are still high, but White House officials believe that U.S. President Joe Biden’s efforts to rein in Iran after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran are bearing fruit and the Islamic Republic may reconsider its “heavy-handed” response plan, the Washington Post reports.