Influential Insider In Iran Warns Against Involvement In Gaza War

In a TV interview on Friday, the close relative of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated that “Israel aims to transform the Gaza conflict into a war between Iran and the United States.”

The Expediency Council also warned that if such a scenario unfolds, the primary beneficiary of a secure existence would be the "Zionist regime”, the term used to refer to the Jewish state now at war with Iran-backed Hamas.

The proscribed terror group invaded Israel on October 7 and the US immediately backed the country’s right to defend itself in the wake of an attack which was the single most deadly day for Jews since the Holocaust.

His warning aligns with the recent sentiments expressed by former President Hassan Rouhani, who cautioned against Iran getting entangled in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Rouhani highlighted the risk Iran faces due to its role in fueling the conflict and underscored the potential consequences of direct or indirect involvement, stating that “a wrong decision could draw the flames of war towards Iran.”

Former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also weighed in, stating that if Iran is dragged into the Israel-Gaza war, the consequences would fall on the people, not the state officials.

The conflict has resulted in the most severe escalation in the Gaza Strip since Hamas took control in 2007. Iran's proxies in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen have become involved, despite Tehran's continued denials of direct involvement.

The United States has strongly supported its ally Israel, mobilizing warships and troops in response to the attack. As a result, the alliance has also since led to US facilities in Syria and Iraq coming under fire from Iran's proxies in dozens of attacks.