Iran’s FM threatens Israel in Turkey, after Doha meeting
Hossein Amir-Abdullahian, Iran’s foreign minister, went to Turkey on Wednesday, after meetings with Hamas in Qatar. In Turkey he threatened Israel, claiming that if the situation in Gaza continues, then the “resistance” will conduct another “surprise action.” This appears to hint that Iran is planning to escalate attacks with Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and militias in Iraq and Syria.
Ankara has increased its anti-Israel messaging since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,400 in Israel. It has refused to condemn Hamas terrorism and now appears to be working with Iran. Iran meanwhile has held two high-profile meetings in Qatar with Hamas leadership. Al-Mayadeen media, which is pro-Iran, also said that Iranian-backed militias in Syria targeted the US in Tanf over the last day. Iran-backed militias have carried out more than 25 attacks on US forces since October 7.
This is part of Iran’s full-court press in the region to unite various forces to attack Israel and the US. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader also bashed America in a speech, according to Iran’s Tasnim News.
The Iranian regional approach to the war is continuing to increase tensions. Media in the UAE slammed the Houthis on Wednesday. The Houthis have also threatened Saudi Arabia. They carried out two attacks targeting Israel on October 31, in addition to two other attacks on October 18 and October 27.
The Iranian foreign minister’s shuttle diplomacy around the region is designed to coordinate with Hamas in Qatar and with Doha and Ankara. Iran International noted that “the meeting followed separate talks that Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had with the Emir and the Prime Minister of Qatar on Tuesday. It was the second official meeting between Iran and Hamas since the group, designated as a terrorist group by the US and several other countries, declared war against Israel.”
Comments taken as clear threat to Israel, US
The Iranian foreign minister’s trip to Turkey was well covered in Turkish media, in which his comments threatening Israel were noted. Daily Sabah in Turkey noted that “Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian in a joint news conference with Turkish FM" said that "Israel, US and supporters of war crimes will be responsible if the situation gets out of control as long as war is not prevented.”
This is a clear threat to the US and Israel. The Iranian and Turkish counterparts also slammed the EU for not pushing for a ceasefire. It appears now likely that Turkey, Iran, Hamas, and Qatar may be coordinating regarding Gaza. Russia and China are also not condemning Hamas.