President Joe Biden convened a meeting with his national security team on Monday to prepare for a potential retaliatory strike from Tehran following allegations that Israel was behind the killing of a Hamas leader in Iran.
The high-level meeting took place in the White House Situation Room as the United States works to ease tensions in the region. The killing of senior Hamas political figure Ismail Haniyeh in an airstrike in Iran’s capital last week, after he attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, has heightened tensions.
While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared for any scenario in response to the threats.
Calls for Restraint
The United States is urging restraint following Iran’s threats of retaliation. Earlier on Monday, Biden spoke with the King of Jordan to discuss de-escalating tensions in the region, including the possibility of an immediate ceasefire and hostage release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also communicated with counterparts in Qatar and Egypt, both of whom play crucial roles in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, backed by Iran.
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“We are facing a critical moment in the region,” said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller during a press briefing. “Through diplomatic channels, we have consistently urged Iran to understand that escalation is not beneficial to their interests and that we will protect Israel from attacks. Escalation is not in Iran’s best interest, nor is it in the interest of any party in the region,” Miller added.
The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East by deploying fighter jets and warships in anticipation of potential attacks, as confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. He reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense against threats from Iran and Iranian-backed groups, following discussions with Israeli officials.
Vice President Kamala Harris, as the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate, was also present at the crisis talks on Monday, according to the White House.
The State Department declined to provide a specific timeframe for when the United States expects Iran to retaliate.
