The US is seeking to limit attacks and responses while urging G7 allies to apply diplomatic pressure to prevent a regional war. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Iran and Hezbollah may attack Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours.
This unconfirmed report from Axios surfaced on Monday amid escalating fears of a regional conflict in the Middle East. Following the recent assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to retaliate. Citing three unnamed sources, Axios reported that Blinken informed G7 counterparts during a conference call that an attack on Israel could occur as soon as Monday.
The sources indicated that Blinken emphasized the US belief that both Iran and Hezbollah would respond. However, he noted that Washington lacks precise information regarding the timing or nature of the potential attacks.
Blinken urged his G7 colleagues to work together to persuade Iran and Hezbollah to limit their attacks and manage any Israeli response. He asked other foreign ministers to join in this diplomatic effort.
The G7, which includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, expressed “deep concern over the heightened level of tension in the Middle East” in a statement released on Monday. They called for restraint from all parties, stating that “no country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation.”
In response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31, the US has deployed additional military forces to the Middle East in anticipation of possible retaliatory actions, insisting that the deployment is “defensive.” US Central Command chief, General Michael Kurilla, is reportedly set to arrive in Israel on Monday to finalize preparations with the Israeli army ahead of the potential attack.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning, stating: “If they dare to attack us, they will pay a heavy price.”
The ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has contributed to regular low-level hostilities between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah, and other Tehran-aligned groups. While it is widely believed that neither side is prepared for an all-out war, the increased tensions raise the risk of a significant escalation.
The number of countries advising their citizens to leave Lebanon continues to rise, following warnings from the US and several European nations. Japan, Saudi Arabia, and France are among the latest to urge their citizens to exit the country while commercial flights remain available. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has urgently advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Lebanon and recommended that those already there leave “as soon as possible” due to the “highly volatile security context.”
