Biden adviser cautions about increased chance of wider Middle East conflict.
Aide to President Joe Biden Warns of Escalating Conflict in the Middle East
A top aide to President Joe Biden has issued a warning about the growing risk of the conflict in the Middle East spreading across the region. As Israel battles Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to deadly terrorist attacks, the U.S. military is also engaged in fire exchanges with Iranian-backed groups in nearby Syria.
Elevated Threats and Vigilance
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who recently highlighted a relatively calm Middle East, made this statement during an interview on CBS “Face the Nation.” When asked if he believes Iran has been deterred, Sullivan responded, “What I believe is that the United States will follow through on what we say we’re going to do.”
Sullivan emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to respond if its troops are attacked and expressed vigilance due to the increased threats against U.S. forces in the region. He acknowledged the elevated risk of the conflict spreading to other parts of the region and assured that the U.S. is taking all necessary measures to deter and prevent that from happening.
U.S. Military Strikes in Response to Attacks
Last week, U.S. military forces conducted “self-defense” strikes on two facilities in Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups. These strikes were in response to attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced these strikes, clarifying that they were unrelated to the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
However, it is worth noting that Iran has a history of supporting Hamas, the group responsible for recent terrorist attacks in Israel. Additionally, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed group, has been engaging in fire exchanges with Israeli forces.
Iran’s Stance and U.S. Support for Israel
During a speech at the United Nations, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian expressed his country’s reluctance for the war in the region to escalate. However, he warned that the United States “will not be spared” from the conflict if the fighting in Gaza continues.
Sullivan reiterated the U.S.’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. He emphasized that U.S. arms support is contingent on the weapons being used in accordance with the “law of armed conflict.” Sullivan also mentioned that President Biden and his team are actively working to secure the release of hostages.