US hesitant to speak on Iranian assassination amid fears of ‘ceaseless escalation’

United States officials are closely monitoring fallout from alleged assassination of one of Iran’s top nuclear scientists, however, y are also hesitant about speaking publicly about issue to avoid furr inflaming an alrey tense situation. Mohsen Fakhrizeh, who is viewed as one of masterminds of Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, was assassinated in outskirts of capital city Tehran after gunmen attacked his car on Friday, vember 27. Following incident, Iran h alleged that Israel is behind killing and furr called it an “act of terrorism”. 

assassination of Mohsen came weeks after International Atomic Energy ncy reported that Iran has 12 times amount of enriched uranium that is permitted under 2015 nuclear accord. President Donald Trump h withdrawn US from nuclear agreement, a move that was lauded by Israel and Arab Gulf states. w, as Joe Biden has been elected at 46th President of US, it is believed that he will renew efforts to negotiate with Tehran, however, it was also ted that recent incident would only complicate an alrey tough task. 

RE: It Won't Slow Us: Iran's Rouhani Calls Out 'usurper' Israel For Scientist's Assassination

While speaking to CNN, US officials said that Mohsen’s death underscores shifting dynamic in Middle East as Trump leaves office and countries fearful of Iranian aggression ally toger in solidarity against Iran. Ben Rhodes, who served as deputy national security viser under President Barack Obama, also tweeted saying that attack was an “outrous action aimed at undermining diplomacy between an incoming US ministration and Iran”. He ded, “It’s time for ceaseless escalation to stop”. 

RE: Iran's President Vows Revenge Over Slain Military Scientist

Mohsen’s death is a ‘big deal’ 

Over past years, Mohsen has been closely monitored by US. Back in 2018, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo h also accused Iranian government of going out of its way to protect, hide and preserve him because he was so critical to ir nuclear programme. However, US has t yet taken any action or even spoken publicly about his assassination. One US official said that Mohsen’s death was a “big deal,” and furr ded that country is still trying to determine exactly what happened. official also ded that US will look at typical intelligence streams of information for clues. 

official comment has me, however, President Trump did retweet an Israeli journalist, who called death of Mohsen a “major psychological and professional blow for Iran”. US military, on or hand, right w believes that unless re is a direct provocation against US by Iran, re is justification for a strike. While speaking to media outlet, ar US official said that y are currently monitoring situation. He furr emphasised that it is highly sensitive and last thing country needs is a conflict with Iran. 

RE: Iran's Top Nuclear Scientist Fakhrizeh Assassinated; Tehran Alleges 'Israeli Role'

RE: Iran's Top Nuclear Scientist Assassinated, Army Chief Vows 'severe Revenge'