The Middle East is on the brink of a wider conflict following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, 2024, and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut on July 30. Iran has blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s death, with the Iranian news agency Fars reporting that a rocket strike hit Haniyeh’s residence in the Zafraniya district of Tehran. In response, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered a direct strike on Israel.The situation has rapidly escalated, with Hezbollah launching dozens of rockets into northern Israel on August 1. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed a ‘real and well-calculated response’ to the assassination of Shukr, stating, ‘We are planning a real and well-calculated response, not merely a symbolic one’. The rocket attacks have triggered sirens in northern Israel, with the Israeli military confirming that some projectiles were intercepted while others fell in open areas.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is at a ‘high level’ of preparation for any scenario, ‘both defensive and offensive’. Israeli sources expect Iran to launch a more significant attack in the coming days, possibly including ballistic and guided missiles, as well as explosive drones, targeting Israeli military bases.The international community is increasingly concerned about the potential for a wider regional conflict. The European Union has stated that ‘No one will benefit from another escalation in the Middle East’. U.S. President Joe Biden is set to speak with Netanyahu, and the U.S. is reportedly ‘intensely involved’ in efforts to prevent a large-scale conflict in the region.As tensions continue to rise, the situation remains highly volatile. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation or if the region will descend into a wider conflict.
Key points
- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, allegedly by Israel.
- Iran has ordered a direct strike on Israel in response to Haniyeh’s assassination.
- Hezbollah has launched rockets into northern Israel, escalating tensions.
- The international community is working to prevent a wider regional conflict.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile some sources report that Iran has ordered a direct strike on Israel, others suggest that Iran is still considering its response.
The exact nature and timing of Iran’s potential retaliation remain unclear.
