The White House Gears Up for Expected Iranian Strike on Israel

August 5, 2024 TruthUSA

President Joe Biden convened with his national security team on Monday to prepare for a potential retaliatory attack from Tehran in response to what Iran claims was Israel’s assassination of a Hamas leader on Iranian soil.

The meeting took place in the White House Situation Room as the U.S. seeks to ease tensions in the region following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an airstrike on his residence in Tehran. Haniyeh was targeted after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president.

Iran has accused Israel of the assassination, prompting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to promise retaliation.

While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is prepared for any potential scenario in response to the threats.

The killing of Haniyeh has raised concerns among global leaders about escalating conflict in the region. The same week, a senior Hezbollah commander was also killed in Lebanon, an incident for which Israel took credit.

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 efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, including seeking an immediate ceasefire and hostage release agreement, according to a White House statement.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also communicated with officials in Qatar and Egypt, both key players in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which is backed by Iran.

“We are at a critical moment in the region,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a press briefing.

“Through our diplomatic efforts, we are consistently urging communication to Iran that escalation is not in their best interest. We are committed to defending Israel against attacks and emphasizing that escalation is detrimental to Iran’s interests, as well as to the region as a whole,” Miller continued.

The U.S. 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. Austin reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s right to self-defense against threats from Iran and other Iranian-backed extremist groups.

“I discussed defensive moves by U.S. forces, emphasized the protection of American forces, and highlighted the importance of ongoing de-escalation efforts in the region. I expressed support for a Gaza ceasefire that ensures the safe return of hostages,” wrote the defense secretary in a statement on X.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumed Democratic presidential candidate, also participated in Monday’s crisis discussions, according to the White House.

The State Department has not specified a timeline for Iran’s anticipated retaliation.

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