White House: Iran could conduct attacks on Israel this week

“We should be prepared for what may be a series of significant attacks”, American National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

“We share the same concerns and expectations as our Israeli counterparts in terms of possible time [of an Iranian attack], which could happen this week”, Kirby added.

Kirby's statements were made at the time the US sent a battleship and a submarine to the Middle East region to show support for Israel.

Iran and the Lebanese group, Hezbollah, which is declared a terrorist organisation by the United States, have pledged to avenge Israel.

They have said they will retaliate for the murder last month of Hamas' political chief, Palestinian group declared a terrorist organisation by the US and the EU Ismail Haneyeh in Iran, and of Hezbollah Commander Fuad Schurt.

Beden has talked with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Britain on Monday about increasing tensions, the White House added.

The phone conversation <x0). That was a repeat of what the leaders said earlier, in the sense of re-approximating Israel's defence “and “ding the powerful message that we do not want to see increasing violence, we do not want to see attacks by Iran or his associates”.

Leaders have also called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, who have been fighting since 7 October.

The Gaza War was sparked by Hamas ' attack on Israel when more than 1,200 people were killed and 250 others were kidnapped.

As a result of the Israeli offensive, about 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. / REL