While the Biden administration remains hopeful that Israel and Iran’s recent military exchanges will now subside, experts urge caution, suggesting that the situation may not yet be fully contained.
A senior US official expressed confidence, stating, “This should be the end of this direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran.” However, Andrew Tabler, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, noted that no administration can entirely predict how regional actors will respond, as reactions may depend on forthcoming statements from Tehran. He added that ongoing back-channel efforts could play a role in establishing a clearer mutual understanding.
Satellite images expected from the region could offer further clarity on the impact of Israel’s strikes, Tabler said. Yet, Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warned of potential escalation, especially if senior Iranian officials were among the casualties. He highlighted ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, suggesting that unresolved conflict there might fuel renewed clashes between Iran and Israel in the coming weeks or months. “Unless the situation in Gaza and Lebanon stabilizes, we may witness a more intense confrontation in the near future,” Parsi cautioned.
