Iranian MP Accuses CENTCOM Of Directing Gaza War

Esmail Kosari, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament and a commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, "the crimes that America is currently committing are more repugnant than Israel's because the command of the crimes lies with CENTCOM."

The claims follow Iran-backed Hamas' declaration of war on October 7, when thousands of its militia invaded Israel by air, land and sea, killing at least 1,400 and taking 230 hostage in Gaza, including women and children. While Iran denies directing the operation, it funds Hamas at least $!00m a year and backs it with the likes of military and technical support and training.

The US was quick to back Israel's right to defend itself, offering its support and sending warships to the region as Iran's leaders rallied its regional proxies to ready for a multifront conflict, but has called for calm in a bid to prevent regional escalation.

Kosari's unsubstantiated allegations claimed that the “lack of a cohesive spirit within the Israeli regime prompted the US to send CENTCOM commanders to Gaza to direct military operations” though there is no US presence in Gaza, which is solely controlled by Hamas, designated by the US, EU and UK.

His comments come at a time when US facilities in the region have come under increasing attacks from Iran-backed proxies and fears of its largest proxy, Hezbollah, joining the war, are ever present.

Just days ago, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian issued a warning regarding the United States' support for Israel during his visit to New York to attend a special session of the United Nations General Assembly. 

In an interview with Bloomberg Television from Iran's mission to the UN in New York, he warned, "The US is advising others to show self-restraint, but it has sided with Israel totally."