Biden assures ‘ironclad’ US support for Israel amid Iran tensions
President Biden reaffirms commitment to Israel’s security as a response to Khamenei’s vows for retaliation for Damascus bombing
President Joe Biden has reaffirmed “ironclad” U.S. support for Israel following heightened tensions over fears of Iranian retaliation for the bombing that claimed the lives of senior Iranians.
Speaking at the White House, President Biden addressed concerns of a “significant attack” from Iran in response to Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian consular building in Damascus 10 days ago.
In the wake of escalating tensions, Israeli and U.S. officials have indicated that Israel carried out the bombing, though Israel has not formally claimed responsibility.
‘Let me say it again, ironclad’
“We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant – they’re threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel,” Biden stated during a joint appearance with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad. We’re gonna do all we can to protect Israel’s security,” he added.
Iran vows retaliation, then US backs up Israel
Biden’s pledge to Israel on the White House lawn appeared to be a response to Khamenei’s vows for retaliation, insisting the U.S. would not stay on the sidelines.
The bombing in Damascus, which claimed the life of Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi and six other members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, sparked retaliatory threats from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On Sunday an Iranian official warned Israel’s embassies were “no longer safe,” suggesting a consulate building could be a possible target. Responding to warnings from Iranian officials, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz asserted that any attack from Iran’s territory would be met with a swift response.
The Biden administration is seeking to head off a direct Iranian attack by messaging that Tehran cannot assume that U.S. forces in the region, reinforced significantly since the start of the Gaza war, would stay out of a conflict with Israel.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of US solidarity against any Iranian threats.
Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights due to safety concerns
Germany’s Lufthansa responds to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as both countries issue threats of aggression against each other, prompting the airline to take action.
Lufthansa has decided to suspend flights to Tehran, citing security concerns amidst the current situation in the Middle East.
The airline has opted to halt flights to and from Tehran until April 11, the situation will be reassessed on April 11.
A spokesperson for the company emphasized that they have been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and maintaining communication with relevant authorities.
Source: Newsroom
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