Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns U.S. of
“Irreparable Damage” if It Backs Israeli Strikes on Tehran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme
leader of Iran, has warned the United States that tensions in the Middle East
are on the verge of escalation. Khamenei warned in a televised speech on Monday
that direct American engagement in Israeli military actions against Iran would
do "irreparable damage" to American interests as well as to regional
stability in general.
U.S.-Israel Ties in the Spotlight
The
warning follows reports of increased Israeli military activities near Iranian
borders, which have sparked growing concern that the US may offer Israel
tactical or logistical support. Washington has stated its unwavering backing
for Israel's right to self-defense, ignoring the fact that American officials
haven't acknowledged any direct involvement in any potential strikes on Tehran.
Khamenei made it clear that any action perceived as the United States
supporting an Israeli attack would be dangerous. "They have to be ready
for unimaginable consequences if the American regime joins the Zionist entity
in its aggression against us," he stated.
A Fragile Region on the Edge
Although
the Middle East has always been an area of political instability, the current
situation is hazardous. Hostilities between Iran and Israel are growing as a
result of recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, suspected cyber activities,
and the killings of senior Iranian military figures. Israel claims that its
deterrence is a reaction to the increasing threats posed by Iran's
nuclear ambitions, despite Tehran's common allegations of sovereignty breaches.
Iran urges world powers, including the United States, to remain out of the war
while simultaneously getting ready for possible military vengeance, according
to Khamenei's comments.
Washington Treads Carefully
White
House officials reiterated their support for Israel's security while
reiterating their commitment to diplomacy in response to the Supreme Leader's
comments. The spokesperson stated that while the United States remains
committed to de-escalation, "we will not hesitate to protect our allies
and our interests in the region."
The Biden administration is balancing backing Israel with avoiding a direct
conflict with Iran that would turn into a wider regional conflict, according to
analysts.
Markets React to Escalating Tensions
The
rising geopolitical tensions have caused financial markets to start displaying
signs of worry. As traders worried about interruptions to Middle Eastern
supply routes, oil prices surged after Khamenei's warning, with Brent crude
exceeding $85 per barrel. Gold and other safe-haven assets witnessed rises
as well, showing general investor concern.
Because of the concern around a possible military escalation involving key
world powers, defense stocks saw a modest increase, while broader equity
markets saw a small drop.
International Community Urges Restraint
The
world community has reacted with alarm, urging all sides to resume discussions
and requesting calm. In a joint statement, leaders of the European Union called
for calming down and a renewed dedication to diplomacy. The statement said,
"A conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran would have
devastating consequences."
Similar calls for the United States to exercise restraint and Israel
to refrain from unilateral military action have been made by China and
Russia, both of whom have strategic links to Tehran.
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