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Tensions in the Middle East reached a peak following the recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Armen Petrosyan, a Yerevan-based expert on Arabic studies, said on Thursday.

“Taking advantage of the internal processes and elections in the geopolitical centers, Israel is attempting to improve its positions in the region through constant provocations," he told a news conference on Thursday.

Petrosyan believes that Iran’s retaliation against Israel for the killing of the Hamas killing is imminent.

“Iran has to take action to repair its image. The country makes it clear that it doesn’t seek an all-out war, but has promised punishment, while the U.S. is outlining what is acceptable to it," he said.

"The U.S. does not want escalation at the moment. I think the delay in Iran's retaliation is attributed to it. I think there is a behind-the-scenes deal that Iran will not resort to massive retaliation in return for the U.S. efforts to prevent Israel's attack on Lebanon,” the expert added.