The United States has restricted travel for its embassy personnel in Israel due to concerns about a potential attack by Iran. The US embassy informed staff not to venture outside the greater Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or Beersheba areas “out of an abundance of caution.”
Iran has pledged to retaliate, accusing Israel of a strike on its consulate in Syria that resulted in the deaths of 13 people 11 days ago. Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, it is widely believed to have been behind it.
In response to these developments of United States travel restriction for diplomats in Israel , UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron contacted his Iranian counterpart, urging against further escalation. He expressed deep concern about the risk of miscalculations leading to more violence.
Meanwhile, Iran supports Hamas, the Palestinian group in Gaza, as well as several proxy groups across the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, which frequently targets Israel.
US President Joe Biden has warned of a potential “significant attack” by Iran and pledged “ironclad” support for Israel.
Erik Kurilla, the commander responsible for US operations in the Middle East, traveled to Israel for discussions on security threats.
Following conversations with the foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argued against further escalation, stressing that it is not in anyone’s interest.
China, after the discussions, called on the US to play a “constructive role” in the Middle East while also condemning the strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, widely attributed to Israel.
An Iranian official has warned that Israel’s embassies are “no longer safe,” hinting at the possibility of targeting a consulate building in retaliation.