International
Biden Gathers National Security Team Over Potential Iran Attack
President Joe Biden assembled his senior national security team as the threat of a potential Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel looms larger.
During the meeting, Biden was briefed on preparations to support Israel in the event of an attack, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the administration’s efforts to prevent further escalation.
Tensions have been on the rise following the assassination of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, an act for which Iran has blamed Israel, promising “severe” retaliation. Israel has not taken responsibility for the assassination.
Several countries, including the US and UK, have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon due to fears that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political group, might become involved in any retaliatory actions.
According to US news site Axios, Biden was informed during the briefing that the timing and specifics of a potential Iranian attack remain unclear.
On Sunday, Blinken reportedly warned his G7 counterparts that Iran and Hezbollah might attack Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours.
In a statement released post-briefing, Biden said, “We received updates on threats posed by Iran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and preparations to support Israel should it be attacked again.”
He emphasized that the US is taking measures to respond to any attacks on its forces “in a manner and place of our choosing.” This follows an incident on Monday where several US personnel were injured in a suspected rocket attack on a US military base in western Iraq.
Earlier, Blinken told reporters, “Officials were engaged in intense diplomacy pretty much around the clock with a very simple message: All parties must refrain from escalation.”
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He stressed that escalation is counterproductive, leading only to more conflict and insecurity.
Blinken also mentioned that achieving a ceasefire would “unlock possibilities for more enduring calm not only in Gaza itself but in other areas where the conflict can spread.” He urged all parties to make the right choices in the coming hours and days.
President Biden also spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan earlier in the day about “efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including through an immediate ceasefire and hostage release deal,” according to a White House statement.
The G7 issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern at the heightened level of tension in the Middle East which threatens to ignite a broader conflict in the region.”
The statement underscored that “No country or nation stands to gain from a further escalation in the Middle East.”
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