Iran-backed militants launch rocket attack on US troops

The US has sent messages to Iran saying that escalation is not in their interest, the State Department said on Monday.

"We have been sending consistent messages through our diplomatic engagements, encouraging people to communicate to the government of Iran that escalation is not in their interest and that we will defend Israel from attacks. And that escalation does not serve Iran's interests. It doesn't serve the interests of anyone in the region," State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said.

US CENTCOM chief Michael Kurilla talked to Israel’s military chief of staff Herzi Halevi Monday, as both countries prepare for Iran’s promised retaliatory attack.

The conversation focused on “security-strategic issues and joint assessments in the region, as part of the response to threats in the Middle East," according to the Israeli army.

The US has strengthened its presence in the region in the past few days in anticipation of Iran’s attack. CENTCOM played a leading role in intercepting Iranian missiles bound for Israel in Iran’s last retaliatory attack in April.

President Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah talked about “regional tensions” on the phone Monday, amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts in anticipation of a looming retaliatory attack by Iran and its allied armed groups against Israel.

The two leaders discussed de-escalation, according to the White House, and Biden “affirmed unwavering US support for Jordan as a partner and ally in promoting regional peace and security."

Jordan did take part in the joint effort to intercept Iran’s missiles and drones in Iran’s previous retaliatory attack against Israel last April. Unofficial reports have surfaced in recent days that Iran has warned the countries in the region against ‘helping’ Israel and the US.

German airline Lufthansa has canceled all flights to Tehran and Tel Aviv up to and including 8 August, in yet another sign that Iran’s retaliatory attack against Israel may be imminent.

Lufthansa canceled all Beirut flights last week and is now extending the measure until 12 August, according to a communique Monday.

“Based on its updated security analysis, the Lufthansa Group is once again adjusting its service to the Middle East,” the airlines statement said.

Lufthansa did the same in April, anticipating Iran’s retaliatory attack following Israel’s strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, Syria.

Russia's national security chief Sergei Shoigu met Iran's armed forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri in Tehran, amid reports that Iran and its allied armed groups are preparing for a retaliatory attack against Israel.

Iran and Russia have been drawn closer in recent years, forming an unofficial alliance against 'western powers' led by the United States.

"The US knows well that the world has moved beyond unipolar power," Iran's military chief of staff Bagheri said in his meeting with Shoigu, according to official reports. He also said Tehran "welcomes trilateral cooperation with Russia and China."