US Secretary of State Warns of Imminent Threats from Iran and Hezbollah Against Israel

In a stark warning, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has alerted the international community to the possibility of imminent attacks on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah within the next 24 to 48 hours. This alarming report, first released by Axios on Monday, underscores the growing fears of a potential regional war in the Middle East.

According to Axios, which cited three unnamed sources, Blinken communicated this threat to his G7 counterparts during a conference call. He emphasized that the US believes Iran and Hezbollah are likely to retaliate for the recent killings of top leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah. However, Blinken noted that the exact timing and nature of these potential attacks remain uncertain.

During the call, Blinken stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. He urged other G7 foreign ministers to help persuade Iran and Hezbollah to limit their actions and to encourage Israel to respond with restraint. 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" and called for restraint from all parties involved.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning, stating, "If they dare to attack us, they will pay a heavy price." This warning comes as the nearly 10-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has led to regular hostilities between Israel and groups aligned with Tehran, including Iran and Hezbollah.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides seemingly unprepared for an all-out war but highly susceptible to escalation. This increased tension has prompted several countries to advise their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately. Japan, Saudi Arabia, and France have joined the US and other European nations in urging their citizens to depart while commercial flights are still available.

The Middle East is on high alert following threats from Iran to avenge the assassination of Hamas' political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran last week. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed to retaliate against Israel, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that "blood vengeance" for the killing is "certain."

The potential for a broader conflict looms large as nations brace for possible retaliation from Iran. This escalation could overshadow efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and release hostages, despite recent progress in negotiations. The coming days are critical and could significantly alter the course of the war in Gaza, potentially drawing in the United States and other nations into a wider regional conflict.

As tensions rise, hundreds of Lebanese citizens are preparing to flee the country, and the US embassy in Beirut has advised Americans to book any available flights out of the country. In Israel, citizens are stocking up on supplies, anticipating a possible Iranian assault, while the government assesses its preparedness and response options.

The international community watches with bated breath as the situation unfolds, hoping for a resolution that avoids further bloodshed and instability in the region.