Iran Seeks to Prevent Escalation Amid Gaza Conflict

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is reportedly working to dissuade generals in the Revolutionary Guards from attacking Tel Aviv in response to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Iranian leadership is considering targeting Israeli assets in neighboring countries instead. The Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Revolutionary Guards, affirmed that the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's directive to "harshly punish" Israel will be executed. In response, a U.S. official warned of severe economic consequences if Iran proceeds with a major assault on Israel.

On the diplomatic front, Israel announced it will send a negotiating team to Doha or Cairo on August 15 to finalize a cease-fire and prisoner exchange deal. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have outlined a framework for this agreement, which includes the release of senior figures like Marwan Barghouti and Ahmed Saadat.

In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation in Khan Yunis, targeting terrorists and infrastructure. This operation marks the third such maneuver since the conflict began, with over 30 sites attacked and several Hamas militants killed. The IDF reported that an officer from the Nahal Brigade was seriously injured. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 90,000 injured since the war's onset.

In Lebanon, the IDF's airstrikes hit Hezbollah facilities and a rocket launcher, killing two Hezbollah operatives. Rockets fired at northern Israeli cities have caused damage and fires. The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has urged Americans to prepare shelters or leave Lebanon if possible.

Domestically, Israeli Police granted permission for a controversial event calling for Israeli settlements in Gaza near the Al-Aqsa Mosque, following intervention by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The war has also seen disruptions to commercial flights, with United Airlines suspending its service to Tel Aviv.

U.S. Central Command head Michael Eric Kurilla met with Israeli officials to assess the situation. The U.S. has deployed F-22 Raptors to the Middle East to deter potential escalations by Iran or its proxies.

In other news, the Military Court of Appeals upheld the detention of five soldiers accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee in Gaza. Additionally, U.S. forces in Yemen have destroyed several Houthi missiles and vessels. Israel also reportedly targeted a military depot in Syria, wounding four personnel.