Iran renews threats to attack Israel as Gaza ceasefire talks stall

The chief-commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) hinted at an imminent retaliatory attack on Israel on Saturday, adding fuel to speculations that the long-awaited avenging of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh may take place in coming days.

Iranian officials have been outspoken in their vows to avenge Haniyeh's killing, which they blame on Israel. However, the daily headlines predicting an 'imminent attack' from Iran against Israel since the killing of Haniyeh haven't materialized yet.

"You will hear good news about Iran's revenge," IRGC Chief-Commander Hossein Salami told a crowd of people during a visit to a border area in western Iran, when asked about the promised retaliation.

Media reports and official remarks suggest that Iran may proceed with its promised retaliation following the end of Arba'een pilgrimage on Monday, with Israeli media anticipating an attack by Lebanon's Hezbollah "in coming days".

Israel estimates that Hezbollah's retaliation strike will come within the next few days and may be "rapid and immediate," Israel's Channel 12 reported.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Saturday Israel is ahead of "a significant week amid the ongoing negotiations in Cairo, the fighting in Gaza and [on] the northern border. Our readiness is very high in attack and defense."

Hagari also called on the public to continue to be alert, adding that the military will update on "any development immediately."

On August 13, Reuters quoted three Iranian officials as saying that only a ceasefire deal in Gaza stemming from the ongoing talks would hold Iran back from direct retaliation against Israel for the assassination of Haniyeh. However, Iranian authorities have publicly announced that the response to Israel is not related to the Gaza ceasefire, though Tehran may launch the attack in a way that would not harm the truce talks.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a Saturday phone call with his Egyptian counterpart underscored the Islamic Republic's "legitimate right to respond" to Israel's killing of Haniyeh in Tehran.

As part of diplomatic efforts to prevent further destabilization, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in his conversation with Araghchi expressed hope that mediation efforts could "ease regional tensions and prevent a cycle of violence and escalation."

Top US general, General Charles Brown, began an unannounced visit to the Middle East on Saturday, signaling Washington's concern over the potential for a new escalation in tensions that could lead to a broader conflict.

Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, underscored the need to deter any type of broader escalation and ensure that appropriate steps are taken to avoid a larger conflict.

“As I talk to my counterparts, what are the things we can do to deter any type of broader escalation and ensure we're taking all the appropriate steps to [avoid]... a broader conflict," Brown told Reuters before landing in Jordan.

Brown's visit to the region, which includes stops in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel, comes at a critical time as the United States seeks to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

The Saudi channel Al-Hadath reported Saturday that Hamas has rejected the American proposal and firmly opposes any Israeli presence along the Philadelphia Axis and the Netzarim corridor, further complicating the prospects of a truce.

The conflict, now in its 11th month, has already triggered border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah. US troops have also come under attack by Iran-aligned militias in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, further complicating the situation.