US Asks Iran to Clarify its Planned Response to Israel with a Reminder That Israel is “Triggered” by Surprise Attacks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Iran to provide clarity regarding its intended response to Israel’s recent assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. In a statement, Blinken expressed concern that the "surprise" nature of the attack would be "triggering" to the country, highlighting the need for advance notice to prevent unnecessary discomfort.

“If any country knows how upsetting surprise attacks are, it’s Israel,” said Secretary Blinken. “They have decades of experience with it. Just put up a trigger warning, so to speak. Even something like roof-knocking and a two-minute evacuation window would be considerate.” 

“Even an ETA would be useful,” he added. “Something like how plumbers do? ‘We’ll respondbetween 9 and 5 on Tuesday.’ My TV guy does it. If he can do it, so can Iran.”

Blinken's comments reflect a push for greater transparency in international relations, suggesting that unannounced actions can complicate global diplomacy. Iranian officials have yet to respond.

“Please, guys,” he concluded. “I can’t take another phone call from Yoav Gallant crying again.”