Iran Urges Proxies to Cease Attacks on US Military to Avoid Escalation

Iranian officials have urged their proxy groups in the Middle East to reduce attacks on the US military to avoid direct conflict, following US retaliations for attacks that killed American soldiers. Iran supports various proxy groups in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthi rebels, and fears a direct confrontation with the US. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a major operation against Hamas in Rafah, with a quarter of Hamas forces estimated to be in the area.