After Iran reiterated its intention to punish Israel, the United States has strengthened its military deployment in the Middle East, and Israel is also strengthening its defense infrastructure. People are concerned that a larger scale conflict will erupt in the Middle East.
UK, France, and Germany jointly warn Iran
According to a joint statement released on the UK government's official website on Monday, the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany have warned Iran not to attack Israel to avoid pushing the Middle East into a full-scale war.
We are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions in the (Middle East) region and are unanimously committed to easing the situation and maintaining regional stability, "the statement said.
In this context, we call on Iran and its allies not to launch attacks, otherwise it will further escalate regional tensions, endanger the opportunity to reach a ceasefire agreement and release hostages, "the statement read.
Recently, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States called on Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire negotiations in the Qatari capital Doha or the Egyptian capital Cairo on the 15th.
Britain, France and Germany have warned that if Iran launches an attack, it will take responsibility for actions that undermine peace and stability.
The further escalation of the situation in the Middle East is not beneficial for any country or nation, "the statement concluded.
Iran reiterates its intention to punish Israel
Last month, Hamas senior leader Haniya was assassinated in Tehran. Both Hamas and Iran believe that the assassination was carried out by Israel, although Israel has neither acknowledged nor denied responsibility for Haniya's death.
Iran's acting foreign minister reiterated on Sunday that Israel will be punished for the death of Haniya.
According to a statement released by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri stated that "Iran will make Israel pay the price it deserves for its violations in a legitimate and resolute manner.
But he did not disclose the specific scale and timing of the retaliation plan.
Israel is on high alert
Currently, Israel is strengthening its defense infrastructure to resist the threat of Iran.
The Israeli authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario, preparing battery powered alarms, satellite phones for emergency personnel, and old-fashioned transistor radios for people to access information in shelters.
Israel is also diversifying and strengthening its electricity supply, including reserving alternative fuels for power plants to use in case of conventional supply disruptions. Maintaining a continuous power supply is particularly important for Israel, as the country heavily relies on technology.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has previously declared that Israel is fully prepared and will strongly retaliate if Iran launches an attack.
The Pentagon announced on Sunday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has ordered the dispatch of a nuclear powered missile submarine to the Middle East and requested the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group to accelerate towards the region.
The US military has previously stated that it will deploy more fighter jets and naval warships to the Middle East to strengthen Israel's defense capabilities.