On Monday, Iran issued a stark warning that a new conflict with Israel could break out at any moment. This declaration comes as tensions have been on a razor’s edge, particularly following a fierce 12-day clash back in June.
Yahya Rahim Safavi, who acts as a senior military advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stressed the importance of being fully ready. He stated, without mincing words, “A new war with Israel could break out at any moment. We must be strong and prepared,” as reported by local Iranian media.
In the spirit of journalism, Newsweek attempted to gather insights from the Foreign Ministries of Iran and Israel but has yet to receive any response.
Why This Matters
Safavi’s predictions underline just how precarious the current ceasefire really is. The confrontations in June resulted in tragic casualties; hundreds dead and thousands injured, with striking incidents involving Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military structures.
The U.S. also joined forces with Israel, targeting three significant Iranian nuclear locations, while Iran retaliated by attacking an American base and launching missile strikes aimed at Israeli soil. The broader implications of this conflict affect not just these nations but international affairs and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
According to Safavi, “We are not in a ceasefire; we are experiencing a phase of war. There are no agreements, protocols, or regulations tying us to the U.S. or Israel.” He highlighted the necessity for Iran to be armed and ready for any scenario, a clear nod to the continuing regional tensions.
Differing Perspectives Within Iran
Interestingly, not all Iranian leaders seem to share Safavi’s alarming outlook. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed on state television that he doesn’t foresee an imminent Israeli attack, showing a clear divergence of opinion among Iran’s leadership regarding the likelihood of further conflict.
As an expert in international relations, Araghchi expresses skepticism: “I am not of the opinion that war will happen in the near future.” He went on to add that Israel might be trying to sway public perception by warning of potential threats.
Israeli Reactions
Contrasting with the Iranian stance, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir issued a fresh threat back, confirming their readiness to strike Iran again if necessary. He characterized the June scrape as a preemptive battle to neutralize a looming existential danger.
The 12-Day Battle Summary
The complicated saga continued on June 13, when Israel initiated attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and military hubs, leading to numerous casualties including senior military influencers and scientists. Iran’s Health Ministry reported significant civilian loss totaling 606 deaths with thousands more injured, while Israel noted that their retaliatory strikes ended 31 lives and injured close to 3,000 irreplaceable individuals.
The U.S. entered into the fray on June 22 by targeting nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, which prompted Iran to launch a counter-offensive against the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. A ceasefire was later declared by former President Donald Trump on June 24.
Public Reaction
Yahya Rahim Safavi, Senior Military Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader: “We must prepare for the worst-case scenario. No protocols exist between us and Israel or the U.S; there’s no ceasefire in place. Any new conflict with Israel can happen swiftly if we’re not vigilant.”
Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of Israel: “We remain poised to attack again whenever the situation demands action.”
Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of Iran: “I see no signals indicating war in the near future. However, maintaining full military readiness is essential to avert conflict.”
What’s Next?
Despite a current ceasefire, tensions linger in the air, and the possibility of skirmishes resurfacing continues to exist. Regional allies and the U.S. are keeping a close eye on the situation, with both Iranian and Israeli leaders ringing alarm bells about their readiness, keeping the Middle East in a state of heightened alert.
