Iran, Hezbollah May Strike Israel: G7 Urged to Act

Iran, Hezbollah May Strike Israel: US Warns G7 as Tensions Escalate

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned the Group of Seven (G7) nations of a possible Iranian-led attack on Israel as early as Monday, according to Axios. Blinken’s warning comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, following the assassination of key Hezbollah and Hamas officials.

Escalating Tensions in the Middle East

During a conference call with G7 counterparts, Blinken indicated that both Iran and Hezbollah are preparing for a potential strike against Israel. The US is striving to de-escalate the situation by pressuring Tehran to restrict its planned retaliation. Blinken estimated that the attack could occur “within the next 24 to 48 hours.”

The situation has intensified after the recent killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, and Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah military commander. Both groups, heavily backed by Iran, have vowed revenge, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict.

G7 Calls for Restraint

In response to these developments, the G7 issued a statement urging all parties to exercise restraint. The group emphasized the need for de-escalation to prevent a wider conflict. The G7’s statement read, “Recent events have threatened to ignite a broader conflict in the region,” and called for constructive engagement.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Stance

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a tough stance, declaring that Iran aims to encircle Israel with hostile forces. Netanyahu stated, “Iran and its minions are looking to surround us in a stranglehold of terrorism. We are determined to stand against them on every front and in every arena — near and far.”

US and Military Response

In response to the escalating situation, US President Joe Biden is scheduled to convene his national security team to address the crisis. The Pentagon has announced the deployment of additional military assets to the region to deter further escalation.

As tensions mount, the international community, particularly the G7, faces the critical task of managing the risk of a broader conflict in the Middle East. The US and its allies are working to prevent a full-scale war, while both Iran and Hezbollah prepare for potential retaliation.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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