Putin Sends Message to Khamenei Regarding Possible Iranian Attack on Israel

Reuters reports, citing two senior Iranian sources, that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, urging for 'restraint to avoid civilian casualties' in a potential Iranian attack on Israel. The two unnamed Iranian officials told the news agency on Tuesday, August 7, that Putin's message was conveyed to Iranian officials by Sergei Shoigu, the Secretary of the Russian Security Council. The report adds that Mr. Putin called for a 'cautious response' from Iran to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of the political bureau of the extremist group Hamas in Tehran. According to the two Iranian sources, Tehran officials also requested the delivery of Russian 'Sukhoi-35' fighter jets during their meeting with Mr. Shoigu, the former Russian defense minister and current Secretary of the Security Council. The Kremlin has not responded to Reuters' inquiries on this matter, but the official Russian news agency RIA Novosti confirmed that Mr. Shoigu discussed the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh during his recent visit to Tehran. Earlier, the New York Times also claimed, citing 'Iranian sources,' including a Revolutionary Guard official, that Tehran has requested air defense equipment from Russia. The report claimed that Russia has begun transferring advanced radars and some air defense equipment to Iran. Iranian sources did not provide further details about Shoigu's negotiations with Iranian officials, but stated that his visit to Tehran was one of several avenues for Russia to send a message to the Islamic Republic regarding the 'necessity of restraint' in Iran's potential military response to Israel. Russia condemned the assassination of Mr. Haniyeh in Tehran, labeling it a 'very dangerous murder.' According to these sources, the Middle East is on the brink of a major war, and those behind Mr. Haniyeh's assassination are clearly trying to provoke such a conflict. Since the onset of the military invasion of Ukraine, Russia has established closer ties with Iran and claims to be preparing to sign a broad cooperation agreement with Tehran. Tehran announced on Monday that it is not seeking to escalate regional tensions but must punish Israel to 'prevent further instability.' In a related development, a Biden administration official warned on Monday about the risks of a major regional conflict. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the scale of Iran and Hezbollah's response to Haniyeh's assassination will be a key factor in determining the level of potential conflict. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reportedly launched a pressure campaign aimed at limiting Iran and Hezbollah's attacks, and Washington continues its efforts to form a military coalition in support of Israel. The White House announced that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were updated by their national security team on Middle Eastern developments, including threats from Iran and its affiliated forces against U.S. forces. Three U.S. officials told Axios that in a special National Security Council meeting at the White House on Monday night, attended by the President and Vice President, Biden stated that the timing and details of an Iranian attack are still unclear. Despite Western and regional efforts, Iran insists it will retaliate against Israel, and four Iranian officials told Reuters that the Islamic Republic has informed foreign officials that it will respond 'harshly' to the assassination of Mr. Haniyeh by Israel. A prominent Lebanese source close to Hezbollah told Reuters that a retaliatory attack is inevitable and that diplomacy is no longer a suitable option. He further stated that Iran intends for this attack to be 'severe' but not lead to a regional war. However, he noted that this does not rule out the possibility of war between Hezbollah and Israel. A senior U.S. official focused on the Middle East also told the news agency that Washington is doing everything it can to deter all parties from going down a path of no return. A Qatari official also stated that Doha is in ongoing discussions with Iran to reduce tensions. In a separate conversation on Monday morning, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reassured his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant of America's defense of Israel. This was one of several conversations between the two in recent days. General Gallant stated on Sunday during a meeting with several Israeli military personnel responsible for defense against missile and drone attacks that his country can act swiftly in defense or attack. He added that Israel is 'very prepared' and has the capability for a rapid response. He warned, 'If the enemy dares to attack, they will pay a heavy price.'