CIA Chief Warns of “Inadvertent Collisions” as Tensions Flare Between Iran and Israel
CIA Director William Burns has issued a stark warning, expressing concern that miscalculations could escalate the already tense situation between Iran and Israel in the coming weeks, Bloomberg reports.
“We face the very real danger of a further regional escalation of conflict,” Burns said while speaking at the Cipher Brief Threat Conference.
He acknowledged that neither Israeli nor Iranian leadership is seeking an outright war, but underscored the heightened risk of unintended escalation.
Burns’ remarks come just one year after the escalation of the conflict on October 7 and as the region awaits Israel’s response to a recent Iranian missile strike on the country. The situation is further complicated by ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and the continuing conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported on Monday that they intercepted most of a rocket barrage fired toward Tel Aviv by Hamas and other Iran-backed groups. The IDF also confirmed 135 rockets were fired from Lebanon by Hezbollah, prompting heavy Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon.
“You can see the potential for inadvertent collisions, misunderstandings, actions that take on the life of their own,” Burns said, emphasizing the need for careful navigation in the coming weeks.
The CIA Director acknowledged the delicate position of the Israeli government as it weighs its response to the Iranian missile attack. Burns stated that Israeli leaders are taking into account concerns expressed by President Joe Biden and senior US policymakers.
“All of us are acutely aware of the potential consequences of different forms of strikes and consequences for the global energy market and the global economy too,” Burns added.
He pointed out that the Israeli response to the missile attack, with US support, exposed some limitations in Iranian military capabilities. However, he stressed that these capabilities remain potent.
