US preparing for 'significant' Iran attack on Israel, possibly 'this week'

Washington, DC [US]: The United States has to be prepared for 'significant' attacks on Israel, which possibly can take place this week, said White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby on Monday (local time) amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

US and Allies Address Tensions
This comes after President Joe Biden held talks with the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy as the US aims to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. "We share the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here. Could be this week," Kirby told reporters, according to The Times of Israel. "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks," he said.

Leaders Reaffirm Support for Israel
The call, according to Kirby, was "largely for all the leaders to repeat what they have said before in terms of reaffirming Israel's defence" as well as "send a strong message that we don't want to see any rise in violence, any attacks by Iran or its proxies."

Joint Statement Condemns Iranian Threats
In a joint statement on Monday, US President Biden, along with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel. The joint statement, according to the White House, read, "We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place."

Call for Ceasefire and Aid Distribution
It also underscored the importance of the ardent need for delivering and distributing aid. "We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. We endorsed the joint call from President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks later this week with an aim to conclude the deal as soon as possible. We stressed there is no further time to lose," the joint statement read.

Support for Defence Against Iranian Aggression
"All parties must live up to their responsibilities. In addition, unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed. We expressed our support for the defence of Israel against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups," it added.

Israeli Retaliation Following Haniyeh's Death
After the Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran last month, which resulted in promises of "punishment" from Iran, Israel is preparing for a strong retaliation. However, Israel has not denied or confirmed that it was responsible for Haniyeh's death, but it had previously threatened to execute him and other senior Hamas figures for their involvement in the terrorist attacks on October 7.

(With ANI inputs)