Iran Asks US and Europe to Press Israel for Gaza Truce Amid Escalating Tensions

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian called on French President Emmanuel Macron to urge the US and Europe to pressure Israel into accepting a truce in Gaza, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The call, made on Wednesday, comes as Israel braces for retaliation after the killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran.

Pezeshkian stressed that the US and Western countries must convince Israel to stop its "genocide and attacks" in Gaza and accept a ceasefire to prevent war and insecurity in the region. Macron warned Iran against retaliating against Israel, cautioning that further violence would have long-term consequences for regional stability.

The diplomatic efforts come as Israel prepares for potential retaliation from Iran or its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Hezbollah has also threatened a major attack on Israel after the Israeli military killed one of its senior commanders, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut.

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to deescalate the regional situation and prevent further conflict. Safadi made a rare trip to Iran over the weekend as part of coordinated efforts by Western and Arab states to lower tensions.

The conflict began when Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking around 240 hostages. Israel's subsequent offensive on Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting almost 40,000 deaths.