Iranian President Appeals To Macron For Gaza Cease-Fire Deal To Avoid Broader Regional War, Egypt Halts Flights Over Iran

The Middle East is experiencing heightened tensions Wednesday, prompting renewed and significant diplomatic efforts from global leaders to prevent a conflict that could escalate into a wider regional war.

Last week, Iran, alongside its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, vowed to retaliate against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. While Tel Aviv has neither claimed nor denied responsibility for the assassination, the incident is a potential flashpoint for conflict between Israel and Iran.

Iran Advises Macron To Push Israel Into Gaza Cease-Fire

On Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned French President Emmanuel Macron the Islamic Republic will not remain silent in the face of aggression against its interests and security, according to a Reuters report.

He urged Western nations to pressure Israel to “stop the genocide” in Gaza and agree to a cease-fire, Reuters reported. Pezeshkian emphasized that Western support for Israel must cease immediately.

In response to the escalating situation, an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation was convened on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, at Iran’s request, to discuss the assassination of Haniyeh, the former leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“We've been engaged in intense diplomacy with allies and partners, communicating that message directly to Iran. We've communicated that message directly to Israel,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has advised Iran to avoid causing civilian casualties in any retaliatory actions against Israel, according to a Tuesday report in The Guardian.

Egypt has issued instructions for all its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for a three-hour period early Thursday morning amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran. This news was shared by Flightradar24 via the social media platform X.

The NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) specified that this restriction would be effective from 0100 to 0400 GMT, without providing additional details on the reasoning behind the notice. The advisory stated: "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region) FIR. No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," highlighting the three-hour avoidance period.

Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Herzi Halevi said the Israel Defense Forces are on high alert and prepared for a swift response to any attacks, according to a Wednesday IDF press release.

During a visit to Tel Nof Air Force Base, Halevi said: "We will know how to carry out a very rapid offensive anywhere in Lebanon, anywhere in Gaza, anywhere in the Middle East, above ground and below ground."

Regarding the recent change in leadership within Hamas, Halevi said: “We will make an effort to find him, strike him, and replace the head of the political bureau once more."

Israeli stocks, as tracked by the VanEck Israel ETF ISRA rallied 2.3% Wednesday, reflecting the improved risk sentiment in global equity markets after days of strong volatility.

Read Now:

• Traders Resume Yen-Dollar Carry Trade As Bank of Japan Pledges No Rate Hikes During Market Volatility

Photo via Shutterstock.