Iran and Hezbollah Attack on Israel Imminent, Blinken Tells G7: Report

- The U.S. has increased its regional force posture in anticipation of potential significant attacks by Iran or its proxies in the Middle East, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. - Kirby highlighted shared concerns with Israel regarding a possible Iranian-backed attack, following accusations against Israel for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran last month. - Israel has been on high alert since a missile attack in the Golan Heights and subsequent retaliatory actions, including the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander and Hamas political leader Haniyeh. - The Pentagon has deployed additional military assets to the region, including a guided missile submarine and the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, although the latter is currently near the South China Sea. - Oil prices surged by over 3% amid fears of a widening conflict, while Israeli forces continued operations near Khan Younis in Gaza amidst international efforts to prevent further escalation. Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/us-prepared-possible-significant-attacks-middle-east-by-iran-white-house-says-2024-08-12/)

Iranian government is preparing to strike Israel knowing how ruthless the response can be. With big brother US telling it in open to protect ‘Israel’, I don’t know why Iran is committing this grave mistake. US needs a reason to strike Iran and getting it served in a plate. India would be impacted as crude will jump leading to more $ outflows.

- The recent rocket strike in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teenagers, has escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with fears of an all-out war growing. - Cross-border fire has intensified since October, with both sides suffering significant casualties, and Israel responding with air strikes and missiles into southern Lebanon. - The Israeli government is under pressure to retaliate strongly, with Prime Minister Netanyahu promising a heavy price for Hezbollah, while the Lebanese militant group denies responsibility for the deadly rocket. - Hezbollah's significant arsenal and its backing by Iran pose a substantial threat, complicating Israel's potential military response, especially with its resources stretched in Gaza. - Domestic political pressures on Netanyahu, coupled with international calls for restraint, create a volatile situation as the region braces for possible further escalation. Source: BBC

- Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ordered a direct strike on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. - The order was given during an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, with military commanders instructed to prepare for both attack and defense. - Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of the assassination, though Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. - Iranian officials are considering a coordinated attack involving drones and missiles, potentially from multiple fronts including Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. - The assassination has been seen as a significant security breach, prompting calls within Iran to ensure the safety of its senior officials before seeking revenge. Source: New York Times

- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday to intensify diplomatic efforts to end the war between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. - Blinken is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials, ahead of a crucial meeting in Cairo with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt. - Despite ongoing negotiations, significant gaps remain between Israeli and Hamas positions, with Netanyahu emphasizing areas where Israel will not compromise. - The US, Qatar, and Egypt have proposed a three-stage plan to end the conflict, starting with a six-week truce and the release of hostages, but Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal. - Mediators remain cautiously optimistic, but challenges persist, including Israel's insistence on maintaining a military presence on the Gaza-Egypt border, a point of contention for Hamas. Source: [Financial Times](https://www.ft.com/content/a9232ba6-d44f-4152-a6ac-0fb420eb2ecc)

Expect your stock market portfolios to be bearish tomorrow. Houthis are making logistics of international vessels difficult through the Strait of Hormuz.

- Hezbollah launched a series of drone and rocket attacks into northern Israel, targeting military sites near Acre and an Israeli military vehicle. - The Israeli military intercepted one drone and reported several civilian injuries near Nahariya, while striking two Hezbollah facilities in south Lebanon. - Tensions are escalating as Hezbollah vows to avenge the killing of its top commander, Fuad Shukr, by Israel last week. - Four people, reportedly Hezbollah fighters, were killed in a strike on a home in Mayfadoun, Lebanon, earlier on Tuesday. - Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire for the past 10 months, with the conflict intensifying following recent high-profile assassinations. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/lebanons-hezbollah-says-it-launched-drones-israel-retaliation-yet-come-2024-08-06/

If this happens & escalates then it is certainly a WWIII, stock market will crash by 3-5K points on day1 or 2, more layoffs, there will be chaos everywhere. This will be full fledged war between two countries, backed by two different axis. Please pray it doesn’t happen at all.

Mossad has gone crazy. Really scary situation in the Middle East.