• durgesh dubey
• 03 Aug, 2024

U.S.

The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to assist Israel in repelling a potential Iranian attack, multiple media sources confirm. This anticipated assault, which may involve Lebanese Hezbollah, is believed to be a retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Concerns are growing that, unlike the previous attack on April 13, it may be harder to mobilize the same regional and international coalition that defended Israel then. 

President Joe Biden acknowledged that Haniyeh's assassination complicates ceasefire efforts in Gaza with Hamas. Speaking at Andrews Air Base, Biden expressed his worries about the escalating tensions in the West Asia and stressed the need for a ceasefire in a direct conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas political leader, was buried in Qatar. His body arrived in Doha after thousands attended his funeral in Tehran. In response to the situation, the United States plans to deploy additional warships and fighter jets to the West Asia to defend Israel, with the Pentagon stating its commitment to Israel's defense is "ironclad."

Ayatollah Khamenei of Iran has promised "harsh punishment" for Israel following Haniyeh's assassination, declaring three days of national mourning. The assassination came shortly after Israel claimed to have killed Fuad Shukr, a top Hezbollah military commander in Beirut.

The Pentagon's statement highlighted that the new deployments would enhance U.S. force protection, support Israel's defense, and ensure readiness for various contingencies. This includes sending additional missile defense-capable cruisers, destroyers, and land-based missile defense weapons to the region. This move follows an earlier deployment in April when U.S. forces intercepted numerous missiles and drones fired by Iran.