NYT: Iran may attack Israel's embassy in Europe

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah exchanged rocket and missile fire across the Lebanese and Israeli skies on August 25, raising fears of a potential escalation into all-out war. 

However, both sides quickly de-escalated, signalling a temporary cessation of hostilities and claiming victory in the brief skirmish, Caliber.Az reports, citing NYT.

The exchange began when rockets and missiles streaked across the skies, sending shockwaves through the region as many feared the outbreak of a wider conflict. The confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, backed by Iran, lasted for only a few hours before both sides declared an end to the fighting.

This restrained response suggests a cautious approach from Hezbollah and its patron, Iran, which appears keen to avoid a large-scale conflict that could be devastating for both parties. The limited exchange revealed a calculated restraint on both sides, with each signalling a desire to avoid further escalation while maintaining a posture of deterrence.

Hezbollah's decision to engage in a limited attack reflects a strategic choice, possibly influenced by Tehran, to manage tensions without provoking a full-scale war. According to Mohammed Ali Shabani, an Iran analyst and editor of Amwaj.media, Iran’s response remains uncertain, but hints have been made about striking a target with precision. "Precision and proportion is now key to how we look at this," Shabani noted, emphasizing the delicate balance Iran and its allies must maintain.

The recent flare-up came just weeks after Israel's deadly conflict in Gaza, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on October 7. The situation in the region has remained tense since then, with periodic exchanges and accusations raising the stakes.

The latest round of brinkmanship began last month when Israel blamed Hezbollah for a rocket attack that struck a soccer field, killing children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Although Hezbollah denied responsibility, Israel responded with a military escalation that raised fears across the region.

On July 30, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut targeting one of Hezbollah’s top commanders, Fuad Shukr. Hours later, in what seemed to be a coordinated effort, an explosion in Tehran killed Hamas's top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, while he was attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The dual attacks underscored the high-stakes nature of the regional conflict and the potential for rapid escalation.