As Israel prepares for potential retaliation from Iran following airstrikes on its consulate in Syria almost two weeks before, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for the Jewish state and issued a stern warning to Iran. Speaking to the press on Friday, Biden cautioned Iran against attacking Israel, stating, “Don’t,” emphasizing the United States’ dedication to standing by its ally.
“We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed. Thank you very much,” Joe Biden added.
His comments surfaced amidst reports from ABC News and CBS News, citing US officials, that Iran has prepared over 100 cruise missiles and an equal number of drones for a potential assault on military sites within Israel. The anticipated attack, potentially orchestrated by both Iranian military and supported proxies, heightens tensions in the region.
Here are the developments in this conflict
- Joe Biden on Friday expressed his anticipation of an Iranian attack on Israel “sooner, rather than later,” but he opted not to disclose specific security-related details during his briefing at the White House.
- US officials who disclosed Iran’s preparations of drones and missiles for a potential attack on Israel said to CBS News, that defending against such an assault of considerable scale would pose challenges for the Jewish state. Nevertheless, they also suggested the possibility that Iran might opt for a smaller-scale attack to keep broader military tension at bay.
- United States Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Michael Erik Kurilla, convened with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi in Israel on Friday. Gallant’s office stated that the discussions revolved around the “readiness” for a potential Iranian attack which “may lead to regional escalation”.
- The US military on Friday, repositioned two destroyers in the Middle East to bolster defense capabilities for both Israel and American forces in anticipation of a potential attack from Iran, The Wall Street Journal said. While one destroyer was already present in the region, the second was redirected for added support. Notably, one of the destroyers is said to be equipped with the Aegis missile-defense system.
- Amid concerns over an imminent Iranian threat, several countries, including France, Poland, Russia, and India, have issued travel advisories to their citizens and embassy officials in Israel. The US has instructed its embassy officials and their families to limit travel to areas within Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva in Israel.
-
Lufthansa airline from Germany reported that it suspended flights to and from Tehran until April 13 probably. Lufthansa’s subsidiary Austrian Airlines also stated to suspend all flights from Vienna to Tehran until April 18 amidst the escalating tension in the Middle East region, Reuters said.
- Iran has reportedly indicated that its response to the April 1 airstrikes will be aimed at preventing a significant escalation and will not be hastily executed. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian reportedly conveyed this message to the US during a recent visit to Oman, Reuters said.
- US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken engaged in a conversation with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday. The discussion centered on the “urgent need to avoid further escalation” regarding Iran and diplomatic endeavors to resolve the Gaza crisis, a statement from the State Department declared.
- While Israel did not officially claim responsibility for the airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, the Pentagon confirmed Israel’s involvement. Following the strike, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that an attack on Israel was “inevitable” and vowed that the Jewish state “shall be punished.”
- Amid concerns of a potential attack by Iran on Israel, Australian airline Qantas has redirected its non-stop flight route between Perth and London.
“We’re temporarily adjusting the flight paths for our flights between Perth and London due to the situation in parts of the Middle East. We’ll reach out to customers directly if there’s any change to their booking,” a Qantas spokesperson was quoted by 9News as saying.
