Washington: On Saturday, US President Joe Biden affirmed unwavering support for Israel in response to Iranian assaults, as US forces intercepted Iranian drones, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions.
President Biden returned prematurely from his Delaware beach retreat to convene an urgent discussion with senior national security advisers at the White House following Iran’s aggressive actions.
“After consulting with my national security team regarding Iran’s strikes on Israel, I can reaffirm our steadfast commitment to Israel’s security amid threats from Iran and its affiliates,” Biden announced on social media platform X.
I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. pic.twitter.com/kbywnsvmAx
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 13, 2024
He also shared an image of the session held in the White House Situation Room, which included key figures such as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and CIA Director Bill Burns.
This sharp response by the US came after Iran pledged to retaliate for an alleged Israeli assault on April 1, which demolished an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards members, including two generals.
Iran then proceeded to execute drone attacks and issued a warning to the United States on Sunday to distance itself from the Israel conflict.
Nonetheless, US military forces shot down several Iranian drones, reinforcing support for Israel, which has been a major recipient of US military assistance during its ongoing conflict in Gaza for the past six months.
“US forces in the area continue to intercept drones launched by Iran at Israel,” a US defense spokesperson reported. “Our forces are ready to offer further defensive assistance and safeguard US personnel in the region.”
Additionally, US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson declared the US’s solidarity with Israel, promising to back their defense against Iranian threats.
Watson noted that President Biden was keeping in close contact with Israeli and other allied officials.
Earlier in the day, Biden, donning a blue baseball cap, opted not to speak to reporters as he boarded his helicopter, Marine One, to return to Washington from Rehoboth Beach, where he has a residence and was initially scheduled to stay until Sunday.
Prior to his departure, Biden had issued a caution to Iran against any hostilities towards Israel, anticipating possible conflict.
With the US presidential election approaching, Biden’s approach to the Middle East crisis will be closely watched. Former President Donald Trump criticized Biden for perceived weaknesses at a campaign event in Pennsylvania, correlating it with the current attacks on Israel.
In a show of continued US-Israeli coordination, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Austin reassured their Israeli counterparts of America’s support earlier on Saturday.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards captured a container ship connected to Israel near the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran’s state media highlighted. The White House condemned this action as “piracy” and demanded the immediate release of the ship and its international crew.
This incident underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor through which over one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption is transported annually.
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