US President Joe Biden strongly condemned the recent Iranian assaults on military sites in Israel. He vowed a unified diplomatic response with the Group of Seven (G7) nations while emphasizing that US assistance had thwarted "nearly all" of the attacking drones and missiles.
Biden, who shortened a visit to Delaware to return to Washington, DC for urgent consultations following the Saturday night attack, affirmed in a statement from the White House that US forces and installations remained unharmed.
During a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom relations have been strained, Biden reiterated unwavering support for Israel's security. He praised Israel's ability to defend itself, sending a clear message to adversaries that threats against Israel would not prevail.
"I will convene my fellow G7 leaders tomorrow to craft a coordinated diplomatic response to Iran's audacious attack," Biden announced.
The attack, comprising explosive drones and missiles launched by Iran directly at Israeli territory, marked a significant escalation, raising concerns of broader regional conflict.
Tehran's actions were in retaliation for Israel's strike on Iran's embassy compound in Damascus, which resulted in the death of a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps's overseas Quds Force and six other officers.
Biden disclosed that the US military had deployed aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region in the past week, aiding Israel in intercepting most of the incoming threats.
While affirming the absence of attacks on US forces or facilities, Biden stressed continued vigilance against all potential threats, promising decisive action to safeguard American lives.
Despite tensions, reports suggested Biden's intent to de-escalate. Axios reported Biden urging Netanyahu to refrain from an Israeli counterattack, advising him to consider the situation a victory. NBC revealed Biden's private concerns that Netanyahu might draw the US into a broader conflict.
Biden convened with his top security officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and CIA Director William Burns, at the White House Situation Room on Saturday.
Despite warning Iran against retaliation and anticipating the attack, Biden remained committed to addressing the situation with a measured diplomatic approach.
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