In a stern message delivered from the White House, U.S. President Joe Biden voiced his expectation of an impending attack from Iran on Israel and emphasized Washington’s unwavering commitment to defend its ally.
Responding to reporters’ queries on his stance towards Iran, Biden’s terse response was a clear directive: “Don’t.” He reiterated the United States’ steadfast support for Israel’s defense, stating unequivocally, “We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”
While refraining from disclosing classified information, Biden conveyed his anticipation of a potential attack occurring “sooner, rather than later.” His remarks came following a virtual address to a civil rights conference at the White House.
The atmosphere in Israel is tense as the nation braces itself for a potential assault by Iran or its proxies. The heightened alert follows warnings of retaliation for an airstrike on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus, which claimed the life of a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and six other officers.
Several countries, including India, France, Poland, and Russia, have cautioned their citizens against traveling to the region, which remains on edge due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, now in its seventh month. Germany, joining the chorus of concern, urged its citizens to depart from Iran.
The airstrike on April 1, which targeted the Iranian embassy compound, was not officially claimed by Israel. Nonetheless, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed retribution, asserting that Israel “must be punished and shall be” for what he deemed an assault on Iranian territory.
Echoing Biden’s sentiments, White House spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged the credible threat posed by Iran towards Israel. However, he refrained from divulging specifics regarding the timing of any potential attack.
Kirby underscored the United States’ vigilance in monitoring the situation closely and evaluating its own military posture in the region in response to Tehran’s threats. The Biden administration remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of Israel amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East.