US President Pledges Full Support to Israel as Tensions Rise Over Iran’s Threat of Direct Attack

US President Joe Biden has pledged an “ironclad” commitment to defending Israel against potential Iranian retaliation, as fears mount that Iran may soon launch a direct missile strike on Israeli territory. The warning follows Israel’s bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus on April 1, an act that Tehran regards as an attack on its sovereign territory.

The bombing, which killed 12 people, including a senior commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, has heightened tensions in the region. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to punish Israel, signaling the likelihood of a direct response.

Biden, speaking at the White House alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, reiterated the US’s unwavering support for Israel’s security. “As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad,” Biden emphasized. His remarks came amid escalating concerns that the Gaza conflict could spread into a broader regional war, as US and Israeli officials brace for Iranian retaliation.

While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the Damascus bombing, both Israeli and US officials have acknowledged its involvement. The bombing marks the latest in a series of Israeli strikes against Iranian interests in Syria and Lebanon, but the Damascus attack is seen as a turning point that could provoke a more direct confrontation with Iran.

The Biden administration has made it clear that the US will not remain passive in the face of Iranian threats. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to Israel during a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

As Iran threatens to strike Israeli embassies and military targets, US officials are taking measures to prevent the conflict from escalating further. Security has been increased around Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide, and the US has bolstered its military presence in the region to deter any hostile actions.