Wall Street Journal cites 'informed sources': Iranian government is not concerned about the outbreak of war in the region

Despite the emphasis by the United States and its allies on the need to reduce tensions in the region, reports indicate that the Islamic Republic continues to insist on what it calls 'retaliation' for the Israeli attack on Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing 'informed sources', that the Iranian government told some diplomats from Arab countries on Saturday that it does not care if its response to the deadly attack on Haniyeh leads to a regional war. The public relations office of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed in a statement on Saturday that Israel 'designed and executed' the operation that led to Haniyeh's death, and that the U.S. government 'supported' it. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have not taken responsibility for Haniyeh's death in Tehran, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the U.S. was not involved in the killing of the Hamas political leader and was unaware of it. The IRGC threatened at the end of its statement on Saturday that it would respond to Haniyeh's killing at a 'time, place, and manner deemed appropriate.' Amid increasing speculation about a possible attack by the Iranian government and Hezbollah on Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced on Sunday that his country is 'strongly prepared' for a 'rapid response' to any attack. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in his weekly cabinet meeting: 'We are prepared for every scenario - whether offensive or defensive.' He warned Israel's 'enemies': 'We will respond and impose a heavy price for any aggressive action against us from any side.' In this context, John Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, described the increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East on Sunday as a defensive measure aimed at reducing tensions. Finer stated in an interview with CBS News regarding the deployment of additional U.S. military equipment in the Middle East that this action is 'completely focused on defending Israel against any potential threat it faces.' This White House diplomat added that just as the U.S. helped its allies neutralize the Iranian government's midnight attack on Israel on April 14, it intends to be prepared again for such an attack. Following the killing of Foad Shakir, a military commander of Hezbollah, and Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas member last week, regional tensions have escalated to an unprecedented level, and many consider a direct confrontation between the Iranian government and Israel to be highly probable. The Pentagon announced on Friday that it is moving a squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region to bolster U.S. military presence to help defend Israel and protect American forces. At the same time, many countries around the world have urged their citizens in Lebanon, as well as Israel and Iran, to leave these countries. Most international airlines have also canceled their flights to the region, especially to the aforementioned three countries.