US President Joe Biden warns Iran against attacking Israel
In a stark warning issued on April 12, United States President Joe Biden expressed his anticipation of an imminent attack by Iran on Israel, urging Tehran to reconsider its actions. During a press interaction, President Biden succinctly warned Iran with a single word: “Don’t.” He emphasized the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s defense, stating, “We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed.”
This declaration comes amid a tense backdrop as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched an offensive, firing dozens of missiles toward Northern Israel from Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 40 rockets were launched, with some intercepted and others landing in open areas or falling short within Lebanese territory. Fortunately, the attacks did not result in any injuries.
The tensions have escalated following an incident last week where an attack on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus, Syria, resulted in the deaths of a senior commander from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force and six other officers. This has heightened the atmosphere of retaliation and increased the stakes in the region.
In response to the growing unrest, several countries have issued travel advisories. India’s foreign ministry has advised its citizens against travel to both Iran and Israel and urged those currently in these countries to register with Indian Embassies for further guidance. Similarly, the French foreign ministry has strongly recommended that its citizens avoid travel to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the Palestinian territories in the near future.
Germany has also expressed concerns for the safety of its citizens in Iran, particularly highlighting the risks faced by dual citizens of Iranian and German nationality, who are at heightened risk of arbitrary arrests and long prison sentences.
The global community watches closely as the situation unfolds, with key international players urging caution and restraint to avoid further escalation. This development could potentially reshape diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the Middle East.