President Joe Biden has assured Israel of “ironclad” support from the US, amid growing concerns over possible Iranian retaliation for a strike that resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranians.
Mr. Biden highlighted Iran’s threats of a “significant attack” in response to Israel’s bombing of the Iranian consulate in Syria ten days ago. “We’re going to do all we can to protect Israel’s security,” he added.
Iran’s leader equated the Israeli bombardment in Damascus to a direct assault on Iran.
“When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. “The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished.”
The attack on April 1 targeted the Iranian consulate, killing thirteen, including senior Iranian military leaders.
While Israel has not officially acknowledged the assault, it is broadly believed to be behind it. Following the incident, US and Israeli military readiness in the area has been heightened.
Mr. Biden made these remarks during a press meeting at the White House with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday,
“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad — let me say it again, ironclad,” Mr. Biden said.
These statements were made in the context of Mr. Biden advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza in a recent interview, where he also expressed disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s military tactics.
“I think what he’s doing is a mistake. I don’t agree with his approach,” he commented during an interview with Univision recorded a week prior.
This conversation takes place against the backdrop of a strained phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, following the Israeli forces’ killing of seven aid workers in Gaza.
Mr. Biden has been increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict that began with a Hamas attack on October 7, expressing frustration with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Despite differing views between Mr. Biden and Mr. Netanyahu, US officials have conveyed to Iran that any aggression towards Israel will provoke a strong American response.
In an attempt to reduce tensions, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq reached out to their Iranian counterpart this week, as reported by Axios.
They relayed a message from Brett McGurk, Mr. Biden’s senior advisor for the Middle East, calling for de-escalation.
Over 33,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have perished in the Israeli offensive, according to health officials in the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas.
The violence was ignited by a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the capture of 240 hostages.
