President Joe Biden of the United States stated on Friday that the potential Iranian strike against Israeli targets would come sooner rather than later, urging Tehran to refrain from taking such action. The remark framed a tense moment in which Washington clearly signaled its readiness to shield Israel in the face of escalating threats in the region.
During a speech at the National Action Network Convention, Biden emphasized America’s commitment to Israel’s security. He asserted unwavering backing, saying, We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel. Iran will not succeed. The message underscored a policy of firm alliance and readiness to respond if provoked.
Earlier that same day, the White House weighed in, calling the Iranian threats credible and indicating plans to bolster military presence in the Middle East to deter any rapid escalation of the conflict. The administration suggested that additional troop movements could be deployed as a precautionary measure, reflecting a proactive approach to a volatile situation.
An anonymous official, familiar with Iranian plans and quoted by The Wall Street Journal, noted that Israel is also taking steps in anticipation of a possible Iranian attack that could unfold as soon as Friday or Saturday. The report highlighted a shared awareness in Tel Aviv and Washington of the delicate balance required to prevent an outbreak of wider hostilities in the region.
Iran has warned of retaliation in response to an attack on its consulate in Damascus, which claimed the lives of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including a high-ranking general. The strike also damaged the annex building to the Iranian embassy that housed the ambassador, further raising the stakes as regional leaders monitor the risk of an expanding confrontation.