Iran engages in regional diplomacy amid Israel retaliation fears
Iran has concerns about a possible Israeli retaliation for the rocket attack from early October. Therefore, Tehran has engaged in "urgent diplomatic efforts" with other Middle Eastern countries to mitigate Jerusalem's response's scale.
CNN reported on Iran's "urgent diplomatic efforts," citing sources close to the matter. According to the American network's findings, Tehran is uncertain whether the United States will be able to persuade Israel to refrain from attacking Iranian nuclear and oil facilities. Additionally, Israeli attacks have weakened Hezbollah, Iran's most significant ally in the region.
Iran fears Israeli attack. Engages in "urgent efforts" in diplomacy
CNN noted that the United States is consulting with Israel on a response plan to Iran's attack from early October. The American administration has clearly indicated to politicians in Jerusalem that it does not want Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields damaged in retaliation.
President of the United States, Joe Biden, spoke last Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in nearly two months. During the discussion, Biden explicitly stated that Israel's retaliation should be "proportional."
The United States' allies in the Persian Gulf region include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar. The authorities of these countries are also concerned about a potential Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities. Such an attack could negatively impact the economy and environment of the entire region, one Arab diplomat told CNN.
The Biden administration's concerns are that the conflict between Israel and Iran could escalate into a major regional war, which would ultimately require US intervention.
Washington's influence on Netanyahu's government seems to be weakening, CNN noted. Israel has already ignored the American administration's recommendations during the Gaza attack. Biden also pressured Jerusalem to limit its actions in Lebanon. Meanwhile, more than 1,400 people died there as a result of the Israeli offensive and bombings.
CNN's findings indicate that Israel has not yet assured the Americans that it will not attack Iranian nuclear facilities.
One source from the American network observed that it is "unlikely" that Iran's neighbours would come to its defence following an Israeli attack. However, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar do not intend to allow their airspace to be used for strikes on Iranian targets.
Jordan also emphasised that it "will protect its airspace from any unauthorised incursions, regardless of their origin," CNN reported.
