Reuters reported that, according to three senior Iranian officials, a ceasefire agreement anticipated from forthcoming negotiations this week would likely deter Iran from pursuing direct retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on its territory.
A senior Iranian security official disclosed that should the Gaza negotiations falter or if Iran perceives Israel as stalling, Iran, in concert with allies like Hezbollah, is poised to initiate a direct attack.
The sources did not say how long Iran would allow for talks to progress before responding, Reuters says.
Two senior sources close to Lebanon’s Hezbollah said Tehran would give the negotiations a chance but would not give up its intentions to retaliate.
A ceasefire in Gaza would give Iran cover for a smaller “symbolic” response, one of the sources said.
Iran has promised a severe response to Haniyeh’s killing, which took place as he visited Tehran late last month and which it blamed on Israel. Israel has neither confirmed or denied its involvement.
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