Tensions are again rising across the Middle East, with mounting concerns that another round of open conflict between the US and Iran may be unavoidable. Iranian attacks on vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz are becoming more frequent, their Houthi allies in Yemen continue to launch deadly missile attacks against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia, and the US is withdrawing diplomatic personnel from the kingdom. The question being asked by many is now when, rather than if, fighting will resume.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted an increasingly bellicose tone ahead of next week’s Knesset elections. Speaking at an IDF officer graduation ceremony on 21 October, he accused Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei of pursuing nuclear weapons capability and called for regime change. “There is only one way to remove this threat once and for all: overthrow the regime in Iran. And that is my directive to the IDF, the Mossad, and the security branches.” He later told US President Donald Trump: “…we have a job to finish. You said it, and we’ll finish it together.” (CONTINUED - 951 WORDS)
