Washington, 6 August 2024 (TDI): US President Joe Biden met his senior national security team on Monday as concerns grew of a possible Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel grew.
Biden said he had been briefed on preparations to help Israel should it be attacked, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said officials were working “around the clock” to prevent an escalation.
Tensions have risen over the last week following the killing of Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Iran has blamed Israel and pledged “severe” retaliation. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the murder.
Numerous countries, including the United Sates and UK, have also told their nationals to leave Lebanon, from where it is feared Hezbollah could play a role in any response.
Blinken told his G7 counterparts in a call on Sunday that Iran and Hezbollah could launch a strike on Israel within 24 to 48 hours.
On Monday evening, Biden said he and Vice President Kamala Harris met senior security officials to deliberate on the situation.
We received updates on threats posed by Tehran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and preparations to help Israel should it be attacked again, he said in a post on X.
He added that measures being taken to defend US troops and respond to any attack against its personnel “in a manner and place of our choosing” were discussed, after several US personnel were wounded at a military base in Iraq on Monday.
Also Read More: Killing of Hamas leader Haniyeh not helpful for ceasefire talks: Biden
Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Blinken said officials were engaged in intense diplomacy with a very simple message that all parties must refrain from escalation.
He said that escalation is not in anyone’s interests. It will only lead to more insecurity, more conflict, and more violence.
He added that a ceasefire would unlock possibilities for more enduring calm not only in Gaza itself, but in other areas where the conflict can spread.
