The President is confident in the U.S.’s ability to defend Israel if needed, said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, amid rising concerns about a potential Iranian retaliation following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.

The U.S. has assessed that Iran and its regional allies could launch an attack on Israel as early as this week. Speculation continues to build around the possibility of imminent reprisal, with Kirby emphasizing that the U.S. shares Israel’s concerns regarding the timing, which could indeed be within the week.

Kirby noted that while it remains unclear what form the retaliation might take, it could involve “a significant set of attacks.” He assured that the President remains confident in the available resources to aid in Israel’s defense, stressing the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.

President Joe Biden discussed the growing tensions in the Middle East with leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Italy during a call on Monday morning. The discussions focused on reaffirming support for Israel, advocating for a ceasefire, and emphasizing the urgency of avoiding further violence, particularly from Iran and its proxies.

In response to the escalating situation, the Pentagon announced the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and accelerated the arrival of an aircraft carrier strike group to the region.

The assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, which Hamas and Iran attribute to Israel, and the killing of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, have heightened the risk of a broader conflict in the region. With nearly 40,000 Palestinians killed in the ongoing 10-month conflict, the region remains on edge, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led cross-border attack that claimed the lives of less than 1,200 people.

For further analysis and breaking news, head over to our current affairs page.