Iran’s ties to Turkey grow following death of Hamas’s Yahya Sinwar – analysis

Author: Published: October 20, 2024

In the wake of the death of Sinwar, it appears Iran and Turkey will be doing more heavy lifting to prop up Hamas and Hezbollah

SETH J. FRANTZMAN

OCTOBER 19, 2024 20:06
Updated: OCTOBER 20, 2024 13:08
IRAN’S FOREIGN MINISTER Abbas Araqchi speaks as he meets with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein, in Baghdad on Sunday. Araqchi has stated that any endangerment to Iran’s neighbors’ territorial integrity and its own borders is a ‘red line.’ (photo credit: AHMED SAAD/REUTERS)

In the wake of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Iran’s Foreign Minister traveled to Turkey for high-level meetings. He was already scheduled to go to Turkey as part of a regional tour he is conducting. He has been in Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt, shoring up Iran’s influence and seeking to isolate Israel.

In the wake of the death of Sinwar, it appears Iran and Turkey will be doing more heavy lifting to prop up Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran and Turkey both back Hamas against Israel. Iran backs Hezbollah in Lebanon as well.

Iranian state media on October 19 noted that “Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned against the expansion of war in the region, saying there is a common understanding about the threat of conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and the critical situation of the displaced.”

Araghchi was taking part in a South Caucasus regional conference. However, he is leveraging these events in order to bash Israel and create a unified front with Turkey.

For instance, IRNA noted that “he said his Istanbul visit coincided with his regional tour to the neighboring country to hold talks on the Israeli regime’s aggressions that have created a dangerous situation in the region.” Iran has had increasingly close ties with Ankara over the last decade. They don’t agree on everything but they have many interests in common. Both countries have warm ties with Qatar, for instance. Qatar hosts Hamas.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters during a meeting in Ankara, Turkey, August 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS/FILE PHOTO)

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses his supporters during a meeting in Ankara, Turkey, August 14, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS/FILE PHOTO)

Expanding even further

Turkey and Iran are also discussing developments between Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia. Historically, Turkey has had warm ties with Azerbaijan, whereas Iran has had positive ties with Armenia. Russia has played all sides; it has close ties to Iran and Turkey, and it stood by as Azerbaijan fought Armenia and took over Nagorno-Karabakh in the last years.

Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan and Ankara have been increasingly hostile to Israel over the last year. Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan has used the most harsh rhetoric against Israel.

US intelligence documents outlining Israel’s potential attack plan on Iran leaked – report

Author: Published: October 19, 2024

The timing of the leak comes as Israel is completing preparations for a retaliatory strike on Iran in response to the October 1 missile attack.

By WALLA!
A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran, July 25, 2005 (photo credit: RAHEB HOMAVANDI/REUTERS)
A gas flare on an oil production platform in the Soroush oil fields is seen alongside an Iranian flag in the Persian Gulf, Iran, July 25, 2005
(photo credit: RAHEB HOMAVANDI/REUTERS)
Senior American officials voiced serious concern on Saturday following the leak of two US intelligence documents allegedly outlining Israel’s preparations for a potential strike on Iran. These documents were published by a Telegram account linked to Iran.

While both the US Department of Defense and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the leaked documents, they did not deny their authenticity.

The timing of the leak comes as Israel is completing preparations for a retaliatory strike on Iran in response to the October 1 missile attack. An unnamed senior Israeli official remarked, “Israel’s defense establishment is aware of the leak and takes it very seriously.”

The leak occurred on Friday when the Middle East Spectator Telegram channel claimed it had received documents about Israel’s strike preparations from a source within the US intelligence community. This Telegram channel is known for publishing pro-Iranian propaganda, and its associated Twitter account states that its operators are based in Iran.

The documents included an alleged report from the US Department of Defense’s visual intelligence agency, which had been circulated within the US intelligence community three days earlier. The report detailed alleged recent actions at Israel Air Force (IAF) bases, including the movement of advanced munitions believed to be intended for a strike on Iran. The report also noted that intelligence obtained through wiretaps indicated that the IAF conducted an exercise this week involving fighter jets and drones as part of its strike preparations.

IAF fighter jets during the Red Flag joint exercise at Nellis air force base in Nevada. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)Enlrage image
IAF fighter jets during the Red Flag joint exercise at Nellis air force base in Nevada. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON’S UNIT)

A breach in security

The leaked documents reportedly revealed close surveillance by US intelligence on Israel’s preparations for a strike on Iran, including the use of satellites to monitor activities at Israeli Air Force bases. The alleged leak also highlights a severe security breach within the US intelligence community, allowing highly classified information to reach entities affiliated with Iran.

American officials described the incident as “extremely serious” but noted that, in their view, the leak is unlikely to affect Israel’s operational plans.

Netanyahu Warns Hezbollah Assassination Attempt ‘A Grave Mistake’

Author: Published: October 19, 2024
By

Hana Levi Julian

 –

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned in a statement Saturday night that an explosive drone attack aimed at his home in Caesarea earlier in the day by Iran’s Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah, was “a grave mistake” and said the attack will not prevent Israel from continuing its war against the terrorist organization.

“The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake,” Netanyahu said. “This will not deter me or the State of Israel from continuing our just war against our enemies in order to secure our future.”

According to multiple reports in foreign media and on social media, Netanyahu’s home was struck by the drone. Minor damage was reported at Netanyahu’s home. There has been no confirmation from the Israeli government.

 

“I say to Iran and its proxies in its axis of evil: Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price. We will continue to eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them. We will bring our hostages home from Gaza, and we will return our citizens who live on our Northern border safely to their homes.

“Israel is determined to achieve all our war objectives and change the security reality in our region for generations to come. Together, we will fight, and with God’s help together, we will win,” Netanyahu said.

”There is no doubt that Hezbollah’s attempted assassination of Netanyahu was approved by the Iranians. The response will not necessarily be in Lebanon,” a senior Israeli official told Ynet on Saturday night.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz likewise likewise reiterated in a statement posted on the X social media platform that Israel will “continue to strike terrorists and their sponsors with strength and determination, wherever and whenever necessary, until we achieve all our goals.

“Israel’s enemies will pay a heavy price for any attempt to harm our citizens, soldiers and leaders,” Katz emphasized.

“We are committed to bringing back the hostages, returning northern residents to their homes, and creating a new security reality that will guarantee our existence for generations to come.”

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