The risk of a wider war has been slightly alleviated in the exchange between the US Chief of Staff and Israel and Hezbollah.

The mutual exchange between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has somewhat eased the short-term risk of war in the Middle East, but Iran is considering an attack on Israel and still poses a significant danger,

General C.Q. Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, flew to Israel hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones towards Israel and Israel attacked Lebanon to prevent a large-scale attack. He spoke to Reuters after completing a three-day visit to the Middle East.

Brown pointed out that Hezbollah's attack is just one of the two major threats to Israel that have emerged in recent weeks. Iran has also threatened to attack in response to the assassination of Hamas leader in Tehran last month.

When asked if the immediate risk of a regional war has decreased, Brown responded, "Yes, to some extent."

"There are two things that we knew would happen. One has already happened. The other depends on what happens next," Brown said as he flew over Israel.

Israel's response will depend on how Iran responds.

Brown also warned of the risk posed by Iran's extremist allies, such as Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen's Houthis, who have attacked US forces and targeted ships in the Red Sea, even launching unmanned reconnaissance drones at Israel.

Brown specifically referred to the Houthis as a "wild card" and labeled them as Shia.

Iran declared it would take strict measures in response to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination during his visit to Tehran at the end of last month, blaming Israel for the incident. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.

According to Brown, the US military is better prepared to support its own defense and assist Israel in the Middle East, compared to the unprecedented attack launched by Iran on Israel on April 13, which involved hundreds of drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Nevertheless, Israel, the United States, and other allied nations have successfully destroyed almost all weapons before they reach their targets.

"We are in a better position," said Brown, pointing to Sunday's decision to maintain two carrier strike groups and an additional squadron of F-22 fighters in the Middle East.

"We are trying to improve on what we did in April."

Brown stated that regardless of what plans the Iranian military may have, it all depends on the decision of Iran's political leaders.

Iran may want to send a message, but at the same time, they probably do not want to provoke a larger conflict.

The administration of US President Joe Biden is trying to mitigate the impact of the Gaza conflict between Hamas and Israel. This conflict has leveled large areas of Gaza, caused border clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Israel and Lebanon, and involved the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Brown visited the Israeli military's Northern Command on Monday and received explanations about the threats along the borders with Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. In Tel Aviv, he met with Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff General Aviv Kochavi.

When asked about the military capabilities of Hezbollah in Lebanon, especially after Israeli airstrikes, Brown warned, "They still have the capability."

The current war in the Gaza Strip began on October 7, 2023. Armed groups from Hamas infiltrated Israeli communities, resulting in approximately 1200 deaths and around 250 people being abducted according to Israeli estimates.

Since then, Israel's military operations have displaced nearly all 2.3 million Palestinians in the enclave from their homes, leading to deadly hunger and disease. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 40,000 people have died.