World powers from the West to the East are bracing for an imminent showdown between Israel and Iran, following Israel's assassination of the late Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Situation Breakdown
Haniyeh was killed by an airstrike in Tehran, which Iran and Hamas blame on Israel. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised harsh revenge, while Hamas declared the act would have significant repercussions. The assassination immediately escalates tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iran declaring three days of national mourning and the US being implicated due to its support for Israel.

The World Reacts:

At the time of this report, Israel and Iran stood at a face off as the world prepared for a response within 24 to 48 hours.

From the West:

As Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, United States President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have headed to the Situation Room, to prepare the U.S. for its response.

The Breakdown

Recent reporting from Axios describes on the ground developments as follows: 

  • General Michael Kurilla, U.S. commander in the Middle East, visits the region amid tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.
  • The visit follows the assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
  • U.S. officials expect a possible Iranian attack on Israel, potentially involving Hezbollah.
  • The U.S. is boosting military presence, including warships and fighter jets, in anticipation.
  • The Biden administration seeks to deter the attack and hopes to mobilize an international coalition similar to the one from a previous conflict in April.
  • Kurilla's visit includes key stops in countries like Jordan, which previously assisted in intercepting Iranian drones.
  • The situation is tense as Iran and Hezbollah finalize their response plans.

From the East

Former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ,who now acts as the nation's Security Council, reportedly arrived in Iran to discuss strengthening military cooperation.

The Breakdown

  • Shoigu's visit highlights the ongoing efforts by Russia and Iran to enhance their defense ties amid global geopolitical tensions.
  • Shoigu's trip includes meetings with senior Iranian officials to discuss regional security issues and potential collaboration on military projects.
  • This visit has shortly followed an earlier visit wherein Shoigu met with key Iranian officials, including his counterpart Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani and the late President Ebrahim Raisi. Russia continues to strengthen ties with Iran, having offered to help investigate Raisi's crash, Russian state news agency TASS reported.