U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Jeff Flake, revealed that the United States is asking Ankara and other allies with ties to Iran to convince it to reduce tensions in the Middle East. The ambassador made these comments as the region braces for potential attacks from Iran and its allies following the deaths of two senior members of Hamas and the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The region is in a state of anticipation after Iran and its proxies threatened imminent retaliation against Israel. The White House stated on Monday that estimates suggest an attack by Iran or its proxies could occur this week.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, noted in an untranscribed press briefing that U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made adjustments to the status of American forces in the region, adding that the U.S. must prepare for what could be "significant attacks" from Iran. Kirby affirmed that President Joe Biden discussed with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza. He continued: "Europeans need to determine the role they might play in any response to an Iranian attack."
An American source indicated that Iran is determined to launch a larger attack than what it executed in April. Regarding ceasefire and prisoner exchange talks in Gaza, Kirby mentioned that all parties, including Hamas, need to participate in ceasefire discussions on Thursday. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt, which are mediating between Israel and Hamas, urged both sides to resume negotiations in Doha or Cairo.
Earlier on Monday, two Israeli sources told Axios that the Iranian attack would be direct and may begin before discussions regarding the hostage deal and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, scheduled for this coming Thursday. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif confirmed on Sunday that the response to Israel is legitimate and will be decisive.
