CIA Chief: The Biggest Danger Between Iran and Israel is 'Miscalculation'

William Burns, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), stated that while Washington believes neither Iran nor Israel is seeking an all-out war, the risk of an unintended escalation of conflicts 'seems very real.' Mr. Burns made these remarks on Monday at a national security conference held in Georgia, noting that the greatest danger that could lead to heightened tensions is 'miscalculation,' which he categorized as 'a possible event.' According to him, Israel is 'carefully assessing how to respond to Iran's latest missile attack.' However, he refrained from speculating on the nature of Israel's response. The CIA chief remarked, 'I think we are all quite aware of the consequences of various forms of attack and their impact on the global energy market.' President Joe Biden stated last week that he does not support an Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, but it is unclear whether Washington has fully dissuaded Israel from such an option. Meanwhile, the oil market is also at risk due to the potential for an Israeli attack on Iran's oil facilities. Mr. Burns added that the 'final decision-maker' in Iran is Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and the CIA has 'not detected any significant change in their tone.' This American official then expressed some hope that an agreement could be reached between Israel and the extremist group Hamas that would lead to the release of Israeli hostages. However, he emphasized that negotiations are very challenging and are like a rock that must be pushed uphill. William Burns stated, 'We have come close to an agreement at least a few times, but it has been very difficult.' Hamas is one of the groups listed as terrorist organizations by the United States and Europe. Amid ongoing expectations in the region and the world regarding Israel's strike operations against the Islamic Republic of Iran in response to last week's wave of Iranian missile attacks on Israel, the former Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that Iran's nuclear facilities must definitely be among Israel's targets. Naftali Bennett stated on Tuesday, October 9, in a clip posted on his X account, that now that Israel has succeeded in advancing its goals against Hamas in Gaza and operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the arms of the Iranian regime's 'terrorist octopus' have been completely weakened, for the first time Israel has the opportunity to strike the Islamic Republic 'without worrying about a terrible and unbearable reaction.' Mr. Bennett said his country must carry out a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, which 'casts a dark shadow over the future existence of Israel,' and 'must ensure the future of its children and grandchildren.'