A senior Iranian security official has issued a warning that Iran will launch an attack on Israel if negotiations with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza collapse. The official stated that Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, would consider a direct assault on Israel if they perceive delays in the ceasefire talks with the Palestinian group.
According to sources, Iran's decision to refrain from a direct strike against Israel hinges on the successful conclusion of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, the timeline for Iran's potential action remains unspecified.
Hamas recently declared its reluctance to engage in new ceasefire discussions unless mediators present a proposal based on previous negotiations. Talks are scheduled to resume later this week.
The warning from Iran comes in the wake of remarks by White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby, who echoed Israeli concerns about possible imminent actions by Iran and its proxies.
Iran's president has conveyed to Britain's prime minister that Tehran views retaliatory measures against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh as a legitimate response to deter future hostilities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasized the right of nations to defend against aggression and underscored the importance of restoring peace and stability in the region.
Starmer expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and urged all parties to de-escalate. He specifically requested Iran to refrain from attacking Israel, emphasizing that conflict serves no one's interests.
On a related note, the Israel Defense Forces reported that a projectile originating from the Gaza Strip landed in the maritime area off central Israel, further heightening the existing tensions in the region.
