Under the shadow of potential conflict in the Middle East, Israel is preparing amidst its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated, "We are ensuring Israel's security needs in both defense and offense." This statement comes amid concerns that Iran was planning an attack on Israel following the April 1 air strike on its embassy in Syria.
It's worth noting that the attack resulted in the death of a top Iranian general and six other military officers. Following that, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei deemed an attack on Israel "imperative." Six months ago, Israel began a campaign against the Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza Strip, although they have not confirmed involvement in the Damascus strike. However, the Pentagon believes Israel was involved.
Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi has condemned the Israeli air strikes in Gaza City that killed the three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Tehran Times quoted Raisi, "Undoubtedly, this crime clarifies this regime's cruel mentality toward child murder." Iran supports organizations like the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah, both opponents of Israel.
The US suspects Iran may strike Israel
According to a CNN report, a direct attack by Iran on Israel is unlikely. Instead, Iran might leverage organizations such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi movement in Yemen to initiate assaults. Bloomberg reports from leading officials suggest the United States believes Iran could launch a significant attack on Israel in the coming days.
Lufthansa suspends flights to Tehran
Germany's Lufthansa Airlines has suspended flights to Tehran possibly until April 13. A spokesperson for the airline stated they decided not to operate a flight last weekend from Frankfurt to Tehran to avoid the crew having to stay overnight in Tehran.
Lufthansa's subsidiary, Austrian Airlines, also indicated it was planning to fly to Tehran on Thursday but is making time changes so the crew does not have to stay overnight. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock discussed the tense situation in the Middle East with her Iranian counterpart and urged all parties to act responsibly and exercise restraint. The ministry posted on social media platform X, "No one can be interested in widespread regional tension."
Russia issues advisory for its citizens
In the meantime, Russia's Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens against traveling to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon, and Palestinian territories. Moscow also called for restraint in Middle Eastern countries. A spokesman for the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, stated through Reuters, "It is very important for everyone to maintain restraint so that the situation in the region does not become completely destabilized."
