The White House Says Iran Has Not Retreated from Threatening to Attack Israel

The spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated that there is information indicating that Iran has not retreated from its threat to attack Israel. John Kirby said in a video interview with Politico on Thursday, August 25, that Iran may carry out an attack in the coming days with the help of Hezbollah or the Houthis, but he expressed hope that such an event would not occur and that Tehran would withdraw from this threat. Since the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the extremist group Hamas, in Tehran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly threatened retaliatory action against Israel. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. Although Israeli officials have not confirmed or denied their role in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Iranian officials are threatening retaliation against Israel, and Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, has promised 'blood vengeance' in this regard. British Prime Minister in contact with medical professionals: War benefits no one. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, said on August 23 in New Orleans that reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza war could prevent Iran from attacking Israel in response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, emphasizing that he expects this outcome. Mr. Kirby reiterated in his conversation with Politico that Washington is closely monitoring the regional situation and is prepared. The U.S. military has recently deployed the most military equipment and personnel in various locations in the region to assist Israel against potential attacks from Iran and Hezbollah. The U.S. military deployment is considered the largest gathering of American troops in the region since their withdrawal from Iraq in previous years. With increasing concerns about a military attack by Iran on Israel, Western countries issued two separate statements warning Tehran to refrain from escalating tensions; these warnings were also reiterated in phone calls between the British Prime Minister and the German Chancellor with the Iranian President. The U.S. government previously stated that reaching an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza is still possible, while warning that rapid progress in these negotiations is vital to prevent the escalation of war in the region. However, Hamas announced on August 24 that it would not participate in the new round of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza that began on Thursday in Qatar. An informed source told Reuters that mediators would consult with Hamas representatives after these negotiations. Hamas, expressing doubt about the success of this round of negotiations, holds Israel responsible for obstructing and preventing an agreement. In contrast, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, claims that Yahya Sinwar, the new leader of Hamas, is the main obstacle to the agreement.