Iranian officials have urged their proxy terrorist groups in the Middle East to reduce attacks on the U.S. to avoid direct conflict with the American military.
This move follows a U.S. response to an attack that killed three soldiers in Jordan, leading to a decrease in Iran-backed attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria.
“They are scared of direct confrontation with the U.S., they know that if Americans are killed again it would mean war,” George Washington University Iran security expert Sina Azodi said.
“They had to put the brakes on the militia and convince them that a war with the U.S. could harm Tehran first and then by extension the entire axis.”
Iran supports various factions in Middle East conflicts, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iranian officials, including Brig. Gen. Esmail Ghaani, have engaged with militia leaders to prevent war with the U.S. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a major operation against Hamas in Rafah, allowing civilians to evacuate before the attack.
