Biden Warns Tehran Again; Jordan Alerts Iran and Israel About Its Airspace

The President of the United States once again warned the Islamic Republic of Iran about a potential retaliatory attack against Israel. At the same time, Jordan warned both Israel and Iran that any potential targets of either side in Jordanian airspace would be considered an infringement of the country's airspace and would be targeted. On Saturday, August 20, Joe Biden, in a brief response to reporters who asked what message he had for Iran, said, 'Do not act.' Eleven days after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political bureau, during his visit to Tehran for the inauguration of the new President of the Islamic Republic, and while Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for this assassination, concerns in the region and the world about the possibility of a military attack by Iran on Israel, which could lead to an unpredictable Israeli response against Iran, continue. Last week, some Western media reported, citing their sources, that doubts had arisen among the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the implementation of such an attack. Some reports from Western media in recent days also indicated that Masoud Pezeshkian, the new President of Iran, opposed such an attack, even though he has not yet established his government. However, according to numerous Western news sources in recent days, Hezbollah, regardless of any action by Iran, will carry out its attack on Israel in retaliation for the killing of Fawad Shukr, Hezbollah's highest military figure. Fawad Shukr was killed about six hours before Haniyeh, in a targeted Israeli air force attack on a building in the southern suburbs of Beirut, and Israel immediately claimed responsibility for it, as he was considered responsible for the deaths of 12 Israeli children in a rocket attack by Hezbollah on a football stadium. Shamkhani: Preparations for severe punishment of Israel, which understands only the language of force, have been made. In recent days, the U.S. military has deployed the most military equipment and personnel in various locations in the region to assist Israel against potential attacks from Iran and Hezbollah. This U.S. military buildup is considered the largest gathering of American troops in the region since their withdrawal from Iraq in recent years. Simultaneously, the commander of CENTCOM, the U.S. Central Forces, visited Tel Aviv last week on Monday and Thursday to discuss war possibilities and defense coordination with senior Israeli military officials. Four months ago, Mr. Biden had also warned Iran shortly before the first direct military attack by the Islamic Republic from Iranian soil and air against Israel, saying, 'Do not do it.' He added that Iran would not achieve success in such an attack. With the help of the U.S., the U.K., and France, and relying on a coalition of regional Arab countries like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, Israel repelled Iran's military attack on April 14, and apart from a little girl from the Bedouin Arab community in southern Israel, no one was harmed in the country. The injured girl also recovered after several months of treatment and brain surgery. Iran, emphasizing its right to respond to Israel, stated that a ceasefire in Gaza is a priority. Western media later reported that in response to that Iranian attack, Israel limited itself to demonstrating its capability by striking the radar of the air defense system in the Isfahan region, which also protects sensitive nuclear facilities. According to American media, the Biden administration has recently messaged Iran that if a large attack against Israel is carried out, Iran should prepare to endure 'devastating blows' and 'serious consequences.' The Islamic Republic of Iran has confirmed the existence of a communication channel with the U.S. but has not referred to the details of the warning it received. Ayman Safadi, the Jordanian Foreign Minister, stated on Saturday, August 20, in an interview with Al Arabiya that his country has informed both Iran and Israel that in the event of renewed conflict between the two countries, 'any target in Jordanian airspace will be shot down.' Mr. Safadi, who also visited Tehran last week, added, 'Jordan will not be a battlefield for any party.' At the same time, Channel 12 of Israeli television reported on Saturday that despite the public statements of its officials, Jordan has allowed Israel to use its airspace to counter potential future attacks from Iran, and this decision by Jordan is based on the country's broader security interests and its longstanding cooperation with Israel. An Israeli security official told Channel 12 that Jordan's actions align with the strategic alliance of the Amman government with the U.S., even if Jordanian officials publicly deny it. Last week, Joe Biden praised the friendship of Jordan, a U.S. ally, during a conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan.