Amid rising threats from Iran after Israel's alleged assassination of a Hamas leader, Russia has requested Iran to avoid civilian casualties in its planned response, driven by a desire to protect its expatriate community in Israel.
As tensions simmer in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reached out to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging a restrained response to Israel's alleged assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas terrorist leader. According to strategic military intelligence analyst Rebekah Koffler, Putin's concern stems from his pragmatic desire to minimize Israeli civilian casualties. With an estimated 1.2 million Russian and former Soviet émigrés residing in Israel, Putin sees them as potential assets for repatriating to Russia.
Russia Asks Iran to Minimize Civilian Casualties as Tensions Escalate over Israel-Hamas Clash
Iranian leaders have vowed retaliation, conveying to Arab diplomats their indifference to the consequences, including the possibility of war. Amidst growing fears of escalation, the U.S. has called upon partner governments in Europe and elsewhere to convey a message to Iran urging restraint. The U.S. administration believes that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's recent efforts to improve relations with the West would benefit from a measured response.
Putin's request to Iran differs from the broader international consensus urging against escalation. Reuters reports that Russian Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu delivered the message to Iranian officials on Monday. However, Iran has also requested Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, raising concerns about potential military support. Despite this, Russia has consistently emphasized the need for restraint, acknowledging the "very dangerous assassination" but urging caution.
Russia Asks Iran to Minimize Civilian Casualties as Tensions Escalate over Israel-Hamas Clash
Within Iran, there is a mix of sentiments. On the one hand, the government feels compelled to retaliate for Haniyeh's killing, seen as a brazen attack on its soil. On the other hand, there are concerns about a wider regional conflict, which has been looming for months.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi's recent visit to Tehran marks his first trip to Iran since 2005. Despite his efforts to convey Jordan's stance against Iranian missiles traversing its airspace, he has not yet achieved the desired impact, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Russia Asks Iran to Minimize Civilian Casualties as Tensions Escalate over Israel-Hamas Clash
Iran remains determined to avenge Haniyeh's death and has convened a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday to seek support for its retaliatory measures. The U.S. State Department has urged countries to impress upon Iran the severe consequences of launching another attack on Israel.
The escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran has raised international concerns. The Guardian reports that the international community views Iran's actions as a dangerous provocation. The United Nations has also called for de-escalation, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
Russia Asks Iran to Minimize Civilian Casualties as Tensions Escalate over Israel-Hamas Clash
The situation remains precarious, with the potential for conflict if Iran carries out its threats. The killing of Haniyeh has further strained the already fragile relationship between Israel and Iran, and the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint and diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider escalation.
