Can Iran-Israel conflict start World War-III? Ex-Israeli intelligence official comments
What's the story
The Middle East is teetering on the brink of a major war following the assassinations of Hamas's chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and other terror officials.
Tehran and its proxy terror groups have vowed vengeance for the recent assassinations, with Hezbollah even launching approximately 50 rockets toward Upper Galilee in Israel last week.
In light of this rising tension, the United States will send an additional fighter squadron and warships to help defend Israel should Iran react militarily.
Russia
Russian official visits Tehran
The US's arch nemesis, Russia, has also weighed in on the boiling tension in the Middle East, blaming it on the "manic desire" of the US to monopolize the process of political settlement in the Middle East.
On Monday, Russia's National Security Council secretary arrived in Tehran on the invitation of his Iranian counterpart, Ali Akbar Ahmadian.
Per reports, the visit aimed at "strengthening interactions, the examination of regional and international issues, and bilateral political security relations."
Unconfirmed reports
What Israeli intelligence officer said
The direct involvement of Russia and the US, two superpowers in the world, could mean more than just a conflict in the Middle East.
Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official, discussed the situation with Times Now Digital.
Melamed said, "Iran and its proxies are planning an attack on Israel which could further escalate tensions...Currently, we are keeping a close eye on how the situation develops."
However, he does not see the potential for a World War III scenario.
Israel's stance
'Haniyeh killing poorly timed...': Biden tells Netanyahu
He noted that Russia's recent move to deepen security ties with Tehran indicates that escalation could go beyond Iran.
"What world leaders need to do is reduce the potential flames to prevent further escalation," he said.
Israeli leaders have neither confirmed nor denied their involvement in Haniyeh's assassination.
But US President Joe Biden, during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly told him that the killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh in Iran was "poorly timed."
US's response
Israel is prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu
The New York Times, citing an unnamed US official, said Biden expressed concern that the operation could trigger a regional war.
After the assassination of Haniyeh, the US said it was sending a carrier strike group, a fighter squadron, and additional warships to the Middle East to "mitigate the possibility of regional escalation by Iran or Iran's partners and proxies."
Netanyahu earlier stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario, both offensively and defensively.