Middle East Tensions Soar: Biden and Jordan's King Abdullah II Seek Diplomatic Solutions Amid Rising Threats
Tensions Rise in the Middle East: Biden Meets with National Security Team and Jordan's King Abdullah II
U.S. President Joe Biden is scheduled to address escalating tensions in the Middle East with his national security team on Monday, followed by a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II. This comes as Israeli leaders issue stern warnings of imposing a "heavy price" on any attacks, amid fears of potential actions from Iran or its regional proxies.
U.S.-Jordan Diplomacy Amid Rising Tensions
The U.S.-Jordan discussions follow a visit by Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to Iran, where he called for an end to the escalation and emphasised the need for peace, security, and stability in the region.
U.S. Defence Commitments
On Sunday, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming “ironclad U.S. support for Israel’s security and right to self-defence against threats from Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.”
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The Pentagon stated, “They discussed U.S. force posture moves that the Department is taking to bolster protection for U.S. forces, support the defence of Israel, and deter and de-escalate broader tensions in the region.”
The United States is deploying an aircraft carrier group and additional air assets to the region, a move announced by the Pentagon on Friday.
White House's Stance on De-escalation
Jonathan Finer, Deputy National Security Adviser, emphasised on CBS’ “Face the Nation” show, “Our goal is de-escalation. Our goal is deterrence. Our goal is defence of Israel.” He reiterated on ABC’s “This Week,” “We are preparing for every possibility,” while stressing that a regional war is not in anyone’s interest.
Recent Violent Incidents
These developments come after last week’s Israeli airstrike on a Beirut building that resulted in the death of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur and the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, for which Iran blamed Israel.
International Reactions
France has warned of a “highly volatile” situation. The United States, France, Canada, Jordan, and Britain have all advised their citizens to leave Lebanon, with several airlines suspending or reducing service to the region.
Following Haniyeh’s assassination, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed retaliation, ordering a direct strike on Israel, as reported by the New York Times.
Statements from U.S. and Israeli Leaders
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told “Fox News Sunday,” “When the supreme leader says he’s going to respond, we have to take that seriously. We have to make darn sure we’re ready.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran and its proxies aim to encircle Israel “in a stranglehold of terrorism,” and declared, “We are determined to stand against them on every front and in every arena – near and far. Whoever seeks to harm us will pay a very heavy price."
Efforts to Calm the Situation
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the urgent need to calm tensions in the Middle East with G7 foreign ministers on Sunday. A State Department spokesperson stated, “Blinken and his counterparts reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security and urged maximum restraint from all parties to keep the conflict from escalating.”
Ongoing Conflict
On Monday, the Israeli military reported intercepting several suspicious aerial targets originating from Lebanon, with one falling in northern Israel and injuring two military personnel. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged near-daily fire since the onset of the Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza nearly 10 months ago.
Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas in response to the Oct. 7 terror attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages. Israel’s counteroffensive has resulted in at least 39,580 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
The killing of Haniyeh, Hamas' political chief, who was leading negotiations for a cease-fire, has raised doubts about the prospects for truce and the exchange of hostages between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Conclusion
The Middle East is currently facing a critical juncture, with heightened tensions and the potential for further escalation. President Joe Biden's upcoming discussions with his national security team and Jordan’s King Abdullah II underscore the urgency of addressing these issues. Amid threats from Iran and its proxies, the U.S. has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Israel's security while emphasising the importance of de-escalation and deterrence.
Recent violent incidents, including the assassinations of key figures and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, have exacerbated the volatile situation. The international community, including the U.S., France, Canada, Jordan, and Britain, has responded by urging their citizens to leave Lebanon and calling for maximum restraint from all parties involved.
As efforts to calm the region continue, the focus remains on finding a path to peace and stability. The upcoming U.S.-Jordan talks, along with international diplomatic efforts, aim to prevent further conflict and protect the interests of all involved. The world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring lasting peace to the region.
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