Despite U.S. President Joe Biden suggesting days ago that Iran might back down from its threat to attack Israel if a ceasefire in Gaza is reached, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that Tehran has not abandoned its plans. In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Kirby stated that U.S. intelligence indicates Iran has not withdrawn its threat to launch an attack on Israel.
Hezbollah or Houthis
Kirby added that this attack could be carried out through Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen.
He noted that the attack could happen within days, though he expressed hope that it would not occur. Nevertheless, he confirmed that the United States has deployed additional military capabilities to the region to defend its forces, facilities, and Israel. Regarding the Doha negotiations, Kirby emphasized that both Hamas and Israel need to make some concessions to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.
However, he also clarified that there are still small gaps that need to be addressed. He expressed hope that the negotiators will make some progress in the coming hours and days. The region has been experiencing unprecedented tension in recent weeks following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as well as Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in the heart of Beirut’s southern suburbs in late July. This situation has been further exacerbated by Hezbollah and Tehran’s vows of a painful and inevitable retaliation against Israel.
