Report: US Warns Iran Against Attacking Israel

Facts

• The US has reportedly issued a warning to Iran of serious potential damage to the country and the region should it take retaliatory measures against Israel over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.^[1]
• The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing an unnamed US official, that Washington cautioned Tehran of a 'serious risk' to the Iranian economy and government stability 'if it goes down that path.'^[2]
• According to the US official — who indicated that the message was not a threat — Washington also warned Tehran that the risk of a major regional escalation was 'extremely high' if it launched a 'significant retaliatory attack' against Israel.^[3]
• This comes as the commander of US forces in the Middle East, Michael Kurilla, visited Israel for the second time in three days to meet with Israeli defense officials while the US continues its military buildup in the region.^[4]
• Iran is reportedly still weighing its response after blaming Israel for killing Hezbollah's military commander in Lebanon last month, which was followed by the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.^[5]
• Meanwhile, on Wednesday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed a statement by Pres. Joe Biden that talks on a cease-fire in Gaza 'have now reached a final stage,' urging that they be concluded 'as soon as possible.'^[6]

Sources: ^[1]FOX News, ^[2]Almayadeen, ^[3]Timesofisrael, ^[4]AL, ^[5]CNN and ^[6]Voice of America.

Narratives

• Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by PressTV. It's ridiculous for the US to warn Iran against exercising its right to retaliate, as it not only failed to condemn the Israeli assassination of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders but assisted Israel in carrying out the heinous killings. Additionally, how can Washington claim to be committed to a cease-fire while unconditionally bolstering the Israeli war machine? Tehran reserves all options for retaliation against the Israeli regime and will consider ways to hold the US accountable via international bodies.
• Anti-Iran narrative, as provided by Iran International. Given the potentially dire consequences, Iran should take the US warning seriously. Washington will not hesitate to protect its interests and partners, and to reinforce its message to the Iranian regime. The pressure seems effective, as contrary to its martial rhetoric, Iran's military retaliation against Israel has yet to materialize. Tehran and its proxies are primarily responsible for the region's destabilization, and it would come to bitterly regret any further escalation.

Predictions