President Joe Biden commended American forces for assisting Israel in intercepting nearly all of the drones and missiles launched by Iran. He pledged unwavering support for Israel in the face of attacks by Iran and its proxies, stating that U.S. military personnel were instrumental in helping Israel defend against the incoming threats. This attack from Iran marked the first direct military assault on Israel, escalating regional tensions significantly.
The U.S. and Israel had been on high alert for days leading up to the attack, following a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria. After confirming the launch of drones from Iran, Biden cut short his weekend plans to meet with his national security team and discuss the situation. He later spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express support for Israel’s ability to defend against unprecedented attacks.
Biden announced plans to convene a meeting of the Group of Seven advanced democracies to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s aggression. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. Defense Secretary had assured Israel of full U.S. support in defending against any attacks by Iran and its proxies. Messages have been sent to Tehran warning against further escalation of the conflict, as the U.S. remains committed to standing with Israel amid the threats.
On Saturday, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting strong condemnation from the U.S. National Security Council. The U.S. urged Iran to release the ship and crew immediately, vowing to work with partners to hold Iran accountable for its actions. The incident added another layer of tension to the already volatile situation in the region.
During the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, there have been frequent exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group along the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officials have reported numerous attacks by Iran-backed militias on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the conflict began. The U.S. launched a significant air assault in retaliation to one of these attacks, targeting multiple locations in Iraq and Syria.
Biden’s statements and actions signal a strong commitment to Israel’s security and defense against threats from Iran. The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring the situation and engaging in diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. As tensions remain high in the region, the need for coordinated responses and strategic measures to deter Iranian aggression is paramount.
