On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza could deter Iran from launching an attack on Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which has heightened regional tensions.
Biden's comments came after Iran rejected Western calls to retract its threats of retaliation against Israel. Concerns are growing that the conflict in Gaza could expand into a broader regional war.
The Iranian government and its allies have blamed Israel for Haniyeh's assassination, which occurred during his visit to Iran for the inauguration of President Masoud Bezhkian. Iran has vowed to avenge his death, which followed an Israeli strike in Beirut that killed a Hezbollah military commander.
In response to whether a truce between Israel and Hamas could prevent an Iranian attack, Biden stated, "That's what I expect." He acknowledged the difficulties in negotiations but expressed determination not to give up.
Western diplomatic pressure has intensified to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, urged all parties to de-escalate, stating that the risk of regional escalation has become clearer and more alarming than ever.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with no safe havens for civilians. The U.S. has warned that Iran might launch significant attacks against Israel this week, a sentiment echoed by Israeli intelligence.
In recent days, the U.S. has deployed an aircraft carrier and a missile-equipped submarine to the region in support of Israel, and the Biden administration has approved new arms deals to Israel valued at over $20 billion.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani criticized Western calls for restraint, asserting that the Islamic Republic is determined to defend its sovereignty and does not seek permission to exercise its legitimate rights.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel is simultaneously working to eliminate threats while preparing for all potential scenarios.
The U.S. and European allies have also called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, anticipating difficult negotiations scheduled for Thursday involving mediators from Washington, Doha, and Cairo.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concern to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas regarding civilian casualties in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in over 39,000 fatalities, primarily among women and children.
Israel has accepted the mediators' invitation to resume negotiations this week concerning a ceasefire and the release of hostages. However, right-wing parties within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition oppose any ceasefire, a position reiterated by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
Ben Gvir declared that Israel will "defeat Hamas" and urged against entering negotiations, stating, "We must win this battle and not go to talks in Doha or Cairo." His actions have drawn international condemnation, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging Netanyahu to prevent further provocations.
In a strongly worded statement, Blinken criticized Ben Gvir's actions as a "blatant disregard" for the current situation at the sacred site for Muslims, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to preserving the historical status quo at holy sites in Jerusalem.