Iran could attack Israel on Monday, Blinken warns G7 nations: Report
Blinken in Israel
Iran could launch an attack on Israel on Monday (Aug 5), US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has warned his counterparts from the G7 countries, according to a report in Axios.
Blinken set up a conference call with the US allies to generate 'last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah' to minimise the threat of an all-out war in the volatile region.
Referring to the recent deployment of US warships and fighter jets in the Middle East, Blinken said it was for defensive purposes only.
Meanwhile, the G7 ministers released a statement expressing 'deep concern' over the unfolding situation.
"We express our deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region," read the statement.
"We urge all involved parties to refrain from perpetuating the current destructive cycle of retaliatory violence, to lower tensions and engage constructively towards de-escalation. No country or nation stands to gain from further escalation in the Middle East," it added.
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White House believes a response from Tehran might be similar to the barrage of ballistic missiles and drones it launched against Israel on April 13. However, the scale might be much bigger as other Israeli enemies join forces.
Watch: West Asia Crisis: Iran and its proxies plan retaliation attack against Israel
Israel to launch preemptive strike?
While the situation simmers, Tel Aviv is planning to launch a preemptive strike, according to a report in Times of Israel.Israel's leading intelligence agencies Mossad and Shin Bet and their chiefs met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a meeting, also attended byDefence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi.
The strike would only be sanctioned if there is airtight evidence that Tehran had cocked its guns and was ready to engage in the dogfight.
Israel stands on the cusp of another war after it was allegedly linked to back-to-back assassinationsof Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.
Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme LeaderAyatollah Ali Khamenei said avengingHaniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.
“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"Khamenei said last week.
According to reports, Mossad hired Iranian agents that planted bombs in the guesthouse whereHaniyeh was staying in Tehran. After it was confirmed it was indeed the Hamas chief in one of the rooms, the bomb was detonated from outside while Iranian agents escaped.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.