Iran has conveyed a message to Israel expressing its desire to avoid further escalation in the conflict. The message emphasized that while Iran does not seek a heightened confrontation in the Hamas-Israel war, it may feel compelled to intervene if Israel continues its operations in Gaza. Diplomatic sources familiar with the situation shared this information with Axios, underscoring the potential for the conflict to escalate into a regional war if Iran becomes directly or indirectly involved.
The message from Iran was reportedly conveyed to Israel through the United Nations. The Biden administration has been actively working to deter Iran and Lebanon-backed Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran, from entering the war zone. To reinforce this effort, the United States dispatched an aircraft carrier group and fighter jets to the region.
Behind the scenes, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a meeting with UN envoy to the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, in Beirut. During this meeting, Wennesland urged Amir-Abdollahian to help prevent the conflict in Gaza and Israel from spilling over into the wider Middle East region. The Iranian foreign minister expressed Iran's desire to prevent the conflict from becoming a regional war and offered assistance in securing the release of civilians held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
However, Amir-Abdollahian also emphasized that Iran has its "red lines." He warned that if Israel's military operations continue, especially if Israel follows through on its pledge of a ground offensive in Gaza, Iran would be compelled to respond.
Following this meeting, Wennesland contacted Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi and other officials to convey Iran's message. Wennesland's office confirmed the meeting with Amir-Abdollahian, stating that they discussed diplomatic efforts to release hostages, de-escalation, and preventing the conflict from spreading to the wider region.
Both the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not provided immediate comments on this development.
Amir-Abdollahian, who had earlier met with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, held a briefing with reporters in Beirut where he called on Israel to cease its actions against civilians in Gaza. He warned that any steps taken by the resistance would have significant consequences for Israel.
The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel began on October 7, with Israel continuing its extensive bombardment of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas' attack. Concurrently, violence has escalated along the Israel-Lebanon border and in the occupied West Bank. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,300 Israelis and 2,200 Palestinians reported killed.
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