Iran may not attack Israel for revenge. US President Joe Biden reveals a way out

US President Joe Biden has hinted that Iran could stop its 'avenging' plans against Israel if a Gaza ceasefire deal were to be reached. White House has been bracing for a potential retaliatory attack from Iran after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil, allegedly by the Israeli side.

Addressingreporters on Tuesday (Aug 13) in New Orleans, Biden said "That's my expectation," regarding Tehran skipping the strikes against Tel Aviv.

“We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there is any attack. But I’m not giving up,” Biden added.

Biden's version was reiterated byUS State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel during a briefing. Patel said a hostage and ceasefire deal would more“broadly, create conditions for diplomacy to get the region out of this cycle of violence".

Patel added that US State Secretary Antony Blinken was working round the clock with all parties involved to chalk out the deal that could end volatility in the region, albeit briefly.

“He [Blinken] has been working the phones for the past number of weeks, continuing to echo the same message, which is, we are close to getting the ceasefire deal across the finish line,” Patel said.

Watch |West Asia Tensions: Israel, US expect Iranian attack within days | WION Speed News

Washington playing double game?

Though the US remains in favour of a peace deal, the actions of the White House seemingly suggest otherwise.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Blinken would visit the Middle East to further the talks. However, on Tuesday, US media outlets claimed thatthe trip had been postponed due to 'uncertainty about the situation'.

Additionally, on the same day, Blinken announced$20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment for Israelas the ongoing war with Gaza ceases to end with Iran threatening another conflict.

Blinken approved the sale of more than 50 F-15 jets and equipment worth nearly $19 billion including $774 million in tank cartridges, $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges and army vehicles worth $583 million.

However, the delivery of these weapons would not begin for years. According to reports, the F-15s would only be delivered in 2029, which indicates that the US military-industrial complex was lobbying hard for 'uncertainty' in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)