Middle East on Edge: Iran Promises Retaliation, US Reinforces with USS Georgia

Iran has affirmed its right to take a significant retaliatory action against Israel, following heightened tensions and allegations of preparations for a large-scale attack. This response comes after Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran was gearing up for such an offensive. In response to these developments, the US has deployed the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine, to the Middle East, and additional fighter jets and navy warships have been sent to reinforce regional security.

Iranian officials, including Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, have declared their intent to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has also indicated that they are preparing to execute an order from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to “harshly punish” Israel.

In reaction to the rising tensions, leaders from France, Germany, and the UK have called for a ceasefire and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement urging an end to the fighting and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Scholz has also directly appealed to Iran’s new President, Masoud Pezeshkian, to help prevent further military escalation.

The escalating threat has prompted some international airlines to cancel flights to the region. Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil, citing safety concerns. The airline has also avoided Iranian and Iraqi airspace.

The Israeli military’s ongoing operations in Gaza, including a recent missile strike on a school-turned-shelter that killed at least 80 people, have led to massive evacuations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with almost 40,000 Palestinians reported killed since the conflict began in October, and many displaced persons living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has suggested considering sanctions in response to Israeli far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s remarks. Ben-Gvir’s statements, which advocate for cutting off aid to Gaza until Hamas releases hostages and suggest reoccupying Gaza, have been criticized as incitements to war crimes. Borrell has called on Israel to distance itself from such incitements and engage sincerely in ceasefire negotiations mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.