Iran (Washington Insider Magazine) —Five Western nations have united in a call for Iran and its allies to refrain from potential retaliatory attacks against Israel following the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. The United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy issued a joint statement on Monday, emphasizing their commitment to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The leaders expressed grave concerns over Iran’s threats of military action against Israel, warning of severe repercussions for regional security if such actions are undertaken. They endorsed the latest diplomatic efforts spearheaded by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to negotiate a truce to end the protracted 10-month war.
Global anxieties have surged over the risk of an all-out regional conflict, particularly following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month. In a separate statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the need for de-escalation and urged Iran and its allies to avoid any actions that could further heighten tensions.
The joint statement highlighted the urgency for hostages held by Hamas to be released and called for immediate, unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Scholz and Starmer engaged in direct discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with both leaders expressing their concerns over escalating violence.
Pezeshkian responded by underscoring Iran’s commitment to diplomatic solutions but emphasized the nation’s right to respond to aggression, rejecting any pressure or sanctions. Meanwhile, John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, indicated that the US is bracing for potential attacks in the near future, signaling heightened vigilance amid rising tensions.
Iran is reportedly expected to carry out directives from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to impose severe repercussions on Israel, whom it holds responsible for the assassinations. Hezbollah has similarly vowed retribution, escalating fears of a broader conflict.
Despite increasing calls for restraint, hostilities continue. An Israeli airstrike on Sunday reportedly killed two Hezbollah fighters, while the group retaliated by launching rockets into northern Israel. Concurrently, the US has heightened its military presence in the region, deploying a guided missile submarine and accelerating the movement of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group in response to the escalating situation.
The urgent calls for de-escalation from Western leaders echo a recent framework endorsed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, aimed at facilitating an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of captives, and the effective distribution of humanitarian aid.
While diplomatic efforts are underway, the supply of arms to Israel from the US, France, Germany, and Italy continues, albeit with reports suggesting that the new UK government has suspended new export licenses pending a review of the situation.
