US: Amid West Asia tensions, Biden, Harris receive updates on threats by Iran, its proxies

Washington, DC [US]: US President Joe Biden on Tuesday stated that he has been briefed in the Situation Room on developments in West Asia, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Vice President Kamala Harris Attends Briefing

Vice President Kamala Harris was also present during the discussions. Due to the rise in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the situation in West Asia continues to remain complicated.

Biden Details Situation Room Briefing on X

"Earlier, @VP and I were briefed in the Situation Room on developments in the Middle East. We received updates on threats posed by Iran and its proxies, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, and preparations to support Israel should it be attacked again," Biden wrote on X. "We also discussed the steps we are taking to defend our forces and respond to any attack against our personnel in a manner and place of our choosing," he further said.

General Michael Kurilla's Strategic Visit

US Central Command's General Michael Kurilla arrived in the region on Saturday amid preparations for a possible attack by Iran on Israel in response to the recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, US-based news website Axios reported, citing two US officials.

Officials Uncertain About Coordinated Attack

General Kurilla's visit, which was planned before the recent escalation between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah following the killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, is now seen as a strategic move, the news outlet said. US and Israeli officials said they do not know whether Iran and Hezbollah will carry out a coordinated attack or operate separately.

Iran and Hezbollah Finalising Military Plans

The officials said that they think that Iran and Hezbollah are still working on finalising their military plans and giving them approval at the political level.

IRGC Announces Death of Hamas Leader

On July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an attack in Tehran. In a statement, the IRGC said that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed when their residence was hit in Tehran. Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Iranian President-elect, Masoud Pezeshkian.

(With  ANI inputs)