The White House has warned that Iran could conduct “significant” attacks on Israel within this week, as President Joe Biden discussed the Middle East crisis with European leaders on August 12.
“We need to be prepared for what could be a series of significant attacks,” said John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, to reporters.
“We share the same concerns and expectations as our Israeli counterparts regarding the potential timing [of any Iranian attack], which could happen this week,” Kirby added.
These statements came as the U.S. deployed a warship and a submarine to the Middle East region to demonstrate support for Israel.
Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah – designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. – have vowed retaliation against Israel.
They have pledged to avenge the killing last month of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran, and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shkur in Beirut.
Biden also spoke with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom on Monday about the escalating tensions, the White House said.
The phone conversation “largely reiterated what leaders have said before, in terms of reaffirming support for Israel” and “sending a strong message that we do not want to see an escalation of violence, we do not want to see attacks from Iran or its collaborators.”
Leaders have also called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, who have been fighting since October 7.
The Gaza conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 250 kidnappings.
