As ceasefire negotiations intensify, Israel and the United States are preparing for potential Iranian retaliation. Talks are scheduled to resume this week in either Cairo or Doha, with the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar aiming to present a “final bridging proposal” to Israel and Hamas.
However, recent assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders have sparked threats of revenge from Iran, raising concerns that these retaliatory actions could derail the talks.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed to avenge the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran—a claim Iran attributes to Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility. This development has heightened fears of a broader conflict.
The U.S. has ramped up its military presence in the region, dispatching the USS Georgia submarine and expediting the arrival of a carrier strike group. Additionally, $3.5 billion in military aid to Israel has been released. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has increased rocket attacks on northern Israel, and Israel’s recent strike on Gaza, which killed at least 93 Palestinians, has drawn widespread condemnation.
With the death toll in Gaza approaching 40,000, the urgency for a ceasefire is greater than ever, but uncertainty remains about the participation of Hamas in the upcoming talks.
