Iran could attack Israel in a day or two: Blinken

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran and Hezbollah could launch attacks on Israel "as early as Monday" in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the Lebanese group commander Fuad Shukr.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued the warning while speaking to foreign ministers from the G7 countries on Sunday, a media report said.

The US-based news site Axios quoted the top American diplomat as saying the Biden administration believed Iran and Hezbollah would retaliate, but it was unclear what form the retaliation would take.

During his phone call with the G-7 ministers, he said the attacks could come within the next 24 to 48 hours.

In a readout, the State Department said Blinken underlined the "urgent need for de-escalation in the Middle East" and ongoing efforts to achieve a Gaza cease-fire and hostage/prisoner exchange deal.

It added: "They discussed how a cease-fire in Gaza would unlock the possibility of greater peace and stability in the region, including across the Blue Line (between Israel and Lebanon).

“The Secretary and foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security and urged maximum restraint from all parties to keep the conflict from escalating."

Iran has promised “severe punishment” against Israel for the assassination last Wednesday of Haniyeh at his residence in Tehran.

"Blinken convened the conference call to coordinate with close US allies and try to generate last-minute diplomatic pressure on Iran and Hezbollah to minimize their retaliation as much as possible," the website said.

PAN Monitor/mud