The head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), Maj Gen Hossein Salami, has declared that Iran is not afraid of war with the United States. This statement comes as the Pentagon contemplates its response to a drone attack in Jordan that resulted in the killing of three US servicemen.
Salami, the IRGC commander-in-chief, emphasized, “We do not leave any threat unanswered, and we do not look for war, but we are not afraid of it. This is the well-known truth.”
Following the drone attack attributed to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, there are expectations that more such groups might suspend operations against US bases to prevent a potential American retaliation. Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful member of the Islamic Resistance group in Iraq, has already announced a temporary halt to its attacks on American forces.
In response to the escalating situation, the UK's defense secretary, Grant Shapps, has traveled to Washington for crisis talks, exploring options such as deploying a British aircraft carrier to the Red Sea as a substitute for the USS Dwight D Eisenhower.
Kataib Hezbollah, while absolving Iran of responsibility for the drone strike, stated, “Our brothers in the Resistance, especially in the Islamic Republic, do not even know the nature of our jihad/military operations.” The group also announced the suspension of its military and security operations against occupying forces in the Middle East.
As tensions persist, Houthi forces from Yemen have continued firing missiles at US naval ships in the Red Sea, citing acts of self-defense. The US has pledged a "very consequential" response to the attacks, with indications pointing to groups backed by the IRGC and Hezbollah.
The situation has prompted discussions about potential collaboration between the UK and the US in the Red Sea, with the UK considering the deployment of its aircraft carriers. Meanwhile, the EU is moving closer to deciding which country will take command of a naval mission to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
In the midst of these developments, the UK foreign secretary, David Cameron, is in Saudi Arabia for talks on securing a humanitarian pause and the release of hostages. Discussions also focus on post-war revitalization efforts in the Palestinian Authority and the potential recognition of Palestine by the UK.