On Wednesday (local time), the United States labelled Iran as the “largest and greatest exporter of terrorism” in the Middle East and beyond. The US State Department accused Tehran of repeatedly “suppressing its own people” while also funding, promoting, and engaging in destabilising activities across the region.
“Iran is a regime that has time and again since 1979, has been the largest and greatest exporter of terrorism, not just in the Middle East but broadly. It has a track record of not just suppressing its own people but also funding, promoting, encouraging, malign destabilising action across the region,” US State Department deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel said in the daily briefing on Wednesday (local time). He also stated that the US will support its allies and partners in defending against threats posed by Iran.
“Our opinion and point of view on the Iran regime is quite clear and we will not hesitate, not just stand with our allies and partners when it comes to defending against threats from Iran but also taking appropriate action from the United States,” Patel further added.
This situation arises amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the reported assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. According to the New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, including two members of the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike on Israel in response. This directive was issued during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning, right after Iran announced Haniyeh’s death. Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel for the assassination. While Israel is currently engaged in conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, it has neither confirmed nor denied involvement in Haniyeh’s death.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has dealt “crushing blows” to its adversaries in recent days, according to CNN. During his national address, Netanyahu did not take responsibility for Haniyeh’s death. “Three weeks ago, we attacked the military chief of Hamas, Mohammad Deif. Two weeks ago, we attacked the Houthis, in one of the farthest attacks the Air Force has carried out. Yesterday we attacked the military chief of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr,” the Israeli PM said.