Egypt Daily News – The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warning G7 counterparts that Iran and Hezbollah might initiate attacks on Israel imminently, possibly within the next 24 to 48 hours.
This warning follows a significant spike in regional violence sparked by the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and an Israeli raid that killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
During communications, Blinken emphasized the unpredictability of the attacks’ timing and nature, and highlighted the U.S. commitment to defensive posturing by bolstering military presence in the region.
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the deployment of additional fighter aircraft and Navy warships. In light of growing threats, the United States and allies are urging their citizens to leave Lebanon and reconsider travel to Israel due to safety concerns.
Efforts to de-escalate tensions are underway, with ongoing diplomatic discussions involving major world powers to urge restraint from all involved parties.
Despite the precarious situation, President Biden expressed hope that Iran could reconsider its retaliatory stance. Jordan’s recent diplomatic engagement with Iran also focused on promoting regional stability.