WASHINGTON: An American official warned Friday that Tehran would face “cataclysmic” consequences and derail momentum toward a Gaza ceasefire if it attacks Israel in response to the assassination of a top Hamas leader.
A senior US official told the media on the condition of anonymity that Washington would encourage Iranians not to move down that road, because the consequences could be quite cataclysmic, especially for Iran.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that a truce in the 10-month Gaza conflict was closer than ever following two days of talks in Doha at which US mediators tabled a proposal to narrow gaps.
“It would be ironic if Tehran was do something to derail what we think is the best opportunity at a very comprehensive truce in the Gaza and captives release agreement,” the US official added.
Tehran has warned Israel of a response to the July 31 attack in Tehran that killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Israel is widely suspected.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk expressed deep concern over the scale of casualties and destruction resulting from Israel’s ongoing brutal assault on the Gaza Strip, which began in October. According to the Gaza health ministry, Israel has killed more than 40,005 Palestinians including women and children while more than 92,401 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip.
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