Israel FM Katz claims 'Iran has decided to attack Israel'

Katz said Iranian Acting Foreign Minister's message relayed by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó

Iran has decided to attack Israel, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, who said this information was conveyed by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, relaying a message from Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri.

Katz warned, "The world should exact a price from Iran for any aggressive action." He also mentioned Bagheri's conversation with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, where Bagheri expressed Iran's intent to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which Israel is widely presumed to have carried out.

The US believes an Iranian attack could occur within 48 hours, possibly involving proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

US President Joe Biden was scheduled to meet with his national security team to address the situation. Defense coordination efforts between the US and Israel were discussed during a visit by US CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan have stated their stances on airspace neutrality.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged all parties to refrain from escalation.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized strengthening ties with Russia, whose officials condemned Haniyeh's killing and warned against actions that could escalate tensions further.