### Recent News
#### Iran’s Diplomatic Efforts and Israeli Response
Iran is engaging in urgent diplomacy to mitigate the potential response from Israel following recent missile attacks. The Iranian leadership is concerned about Israel’s actions, particularly given the lack of assurance from the United States that Israel will refrain from targeting Iranian nuclear facilities or oil installations.
#### U.S. and Israeli Consultations
The United States has been in consultations with Israel regarding its planned response to Iran’s attack on October 1. President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing ongoing concerns about the escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel.
#### Regional Concerns
Gulf allies of the United States, such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar, have expressed worries about a potential assault on Iranian oil facilities. Such an attack could lead to significant economic and environmental repercussions for the region.
#### Ongoing Tensions
The Biden administration is increasingly anxious that the ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel could escalate into a broader regional conflict involving the United States. This concern is heightened by Israel’s recent actions, including extensive bombing campaigns in Lebanon and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which disrupted a fragile ceasefire proposal.
#### Israeli Decision-Making
As of Friday, an Israeli official informed CNN that Israel’s security cabinet has yet to make a definitive decision on its next steps. The U.S. remains skeptical about the transparency of the Israeli cabinet’s discussions, suggesting that the U.S. should not place too much confidence in the internal workings of the Israeli government.
#### International Monitoring
The international community is closely monitoring Israel’s decisions as it deliberates its response. Israel will observe a pause in activities until at least Saturday evening to honor Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. This pause does not rule out the possibility of future action.
