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According to America’s top military official, the potential of a broader war in the Middle East has declined after recent clashes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah did not result in a dramatic escalation.
What’s the deal: In an interview with Reuters, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, mentioned that the risk of a broader war in the Middle East has lessened in the short term. He explained that, although there was significant fire exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah over the weekend, the situation didn’t escalate, lowering the immediate threat of regional conflict. Brown noted that one of the two major threatened attacks against Israel had already occurred, and the outcome of the second, which involves potential Iranian retaliation, would determine whether the risk of a wider war increases.
A possible attack from Iran?: According to roi kais, who is an Arab Affairs Correspondent Kan 11, the United States has reportedly informed “partners that Iran will launch retaliation attack on Israel in 2-3 days.” According to Kais, citing sources, “Americans say [the] operation is expected to be limited [and] will not trigger a full-scale regional war.”
What the US has in the region: Since Iran and Hezbollah vowed to attack Israel after the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr, the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East to defend Israel. This includes maintaining two aircraft carrier strike groups and deploying an additional squadron of F-22 fighter jets to the region. General Brown stated that the US is now better positioned than during Iran’s last attack on Israel in April, which involved hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Ceasefire talks: The United States, along with Qatar and Egypt, has been working to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to prevent the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and attacks by Iran and its proxies on Israel. The talks, however, have stalled due to mutual accusations of bad faith. The primary sticking point is Israel’s insistence on keeping troops in parts of Gaza and maintaining control of the border between Egypt and Gaza, which Israeli officials argue is necessary to prevent weapon smuggling and the possible movement of Israeli hostages out of Gaza.
