President Joe Biden's weekend retreat was cut short by an escalating crisis that could drag the United States into a new Middle East conflict.
According to Daily Mail, the imminent threat of a large-scale assault by Iran on Israel prompted a hasty return to the White House for crisis management.
President Biden, aged 81, abruptly departed from his Rehoboth Beach home on Saturday afternoon, a day earlier than planned. This decision came in light of reports that Tehran was advancing its preparations for an aggressive strike against Israel, mobilizing over 100 cruise missiles and drones.
The urgency of the situation required President Biden to consult with top national security advisors in the secure confines of the White House Situation Room. The Pentagon's subsequent maneuver to dispatch aircraft carriers, including the USS Dwight Eisenhower, to the Red Sea served as a bold statement of U.S. intent and support for Israel.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made it clear that Israel would not stand alone, asserting full American backing in defending against any provocations by Iran and its allied forces. Meanwhile, the tension stems from Iran's vow of retribution for an Israeli airstrike that demolished an Iranian facility in Damascus, claiming the lives of several Revolutionary Guard members.
In response, Iran has been reportedly preparing for a comprehensive strike, demonstrated by the massing of cruise missiles and drones. This preparation comes after a stern warning from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who decreed that Israel "must and shall be punished" for its actions.
Israeli authorities, foreseeing the potential for confrontation, have taken preemptive measures, including updating security protocols to protect civilians from the anticipated aggression. This involves prohibitions on educational activities, limitations on public gatherings, and the closure of coastal areas.
As the signs of an impending Iranian attack became evident, the capturing of an Israeli-affiliated container vessel further complicated the already volatile situation. This act, coupled with the exchange of rocket fire between Hezbollah factions and Israeli defense positions, underscores the precarious balance of peace in the region.
Furthermore, since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas on October 7, incidents involving Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have surged. Over 150 attacks have been recorded, highlighting the broader implications of the conflict.
Following a particularly deadly strike in Jordan that resulted in American casualties, the U.S. military executed a significant offensive, neutralizing numerous targets in Iraq and Syria as a direct retaliation.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the U.S.'s unwavering stance:
Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies. They said they were confident Iran's strikes wouldn't result in a response from the US, but it is also believed that Iran would not seek to expand the crisis past its capabilities.
Despite formidable displays of military readiness and diplomatic warnings, the potential for an Iranian assault remains a grave concern. National security spokesman John Kirby cautioned that despite U.S. efforts to deter aggression, the threat of an attack on Israel by Iran persisted.
To summarize, President Biden's premature return from Rehoboth Beach underscores the severity of the unfolding crisis in the Middle East. With Iran poised for a possible strike on Israel, the U.S. has mobilized significant military resources to the region, indicating strong support for its ally. Amidst these developments, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that averts further escalation into a full-scale conflict.
