US extends 'ironclad' commitment to Israel after Iran threatens to attack

United States President Joe Biden extended an 'ironclad' commitment to Israel against any Iranian attack amid rising concerns of Tehran launching "significant" strikes in the coming days in response to the blast at the Iranian consular building in Damascus.

Biden spoke about the commitment in a joint press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

“We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant – they’re threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel,” said Biden.

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“As I told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin 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.

“What I’m calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country,” said the president.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration also clarified that Iran cannot assume that the US forces, which have been significantly reinforced in Gaza since the war started, will stay out if there is any escalation in conflict between them and Israel.

Also Read:Israel threatens to strike Iran directly if it launches attacks from its own territory

“We’ve been clear that we do not want this conflict to escalate or spread further in the region. We’ll continue to undertake diplomatic efforts to ensure that remains the case,” said a US government spokesperson. “We also retain a military presence in the region to deter those who seek to take advantage of the conflict," he added.

Iran threatens to strike Israel, Tel Aviv vows a response

The United States pledged support to Israel hours after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threatened to strike Israel in response to the Damascus bombing.

“When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Khamenei saidin his remarks which were broadcast by Iranian state TV. “The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished," he added.

In the Damascus bombing, 12 people were killed which included Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi and six other guard members.

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Responding to such threats of direct strike, Israel vowed to respond to any such strike which increased the chances of a regional war.

Taking to X, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, “If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran.”

Israel has not formally claimed responsibility for the Damascus bombing. However, since the blast happened, Iran has attributed the ultimate blame for the blast to the United States and warned them not to meddle in its confrontation with Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)