Biden Administration Officials Say They Are Preparing to Counter Potential Attacks and Diplomatic Pressure Against the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah

Three American officials told Axios that President Biden and Vice President Harris were informed by their national security team on Monday, August 7, that it is still unclear when and how the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah intend to launch an attack against Israel and what that attack might entail. According to these officials, during this security meeting in Biden's 'situation room,' he instructed his team to cooperate as closely as possible with Israel to coordinate defensive efforts against a potential attack. Biden administration officials say they are working to prepare for potential attacks and to mobilize diplomatic pressure against the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah to try to minimize their retaliatory actions in response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas in Tehran, and a senior military commander of Hezbollah in Beirut. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told his G7 counterparts on Sunday, August 6, that the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah could attack Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours. However, American officials stated that a more complex assessment was presented during a meeting that Biden and Harris had with the National Security Council in the White House situation room. These officials said that Biden and Harris were informed that U.S. intelligence predicts a scenario involving two waves of attacks; one from Hezbollah and the other from the Islamic Republic and several of their proxy forces. However, it is still unclear who will attack first and what type of attack will occur. One American official noted that intelligence indicates that the response from the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah is still a 'work in progress' and that both are deciding exactly what they want to do. The White House stated that during the situation room meeting, Biden and Harris received the latest information regarding several American soldiers who were severely injured in a missile attack on Monday by Iranian-backed militants at the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq. The statement noted that 'they discussed actions to defend our forces and respond to any attacks against our personnel at a time and place of our choosing.' The White House also mentioned that Biden and Harris were briefed on ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and to finalize a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza. Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican senator, reacted to this meeting on X, addressing Kamala Harris: 'I hope she understands that defending against Iran is not effective and efforts to contain Iran have been disastrous. It is time to change course and strike against Iran and its proxy forces.' He added: 'Vice President Harris will again be the last one in the room with President Biden before a major national security decision, just as she was during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan.' Meanwhile, an American official told Axios that the Pentagon expects more attacks in the coming days from Iranian-backed militants against American forces in the region and emphasized that increasing tensions in the region mean that militants are less restrained by the Islamic Republic than in recent months. The Australian Prime Minister criticized the Iranian ambassador, calling his remarks 'disgusting.' Reports indicate that at least one missile hit the Ain al-Asad base. According to Iraqi and American sources, two Katyusha rockets struck the al-Asad airbase, injuring at least five American personnel. The U.S. supported Israel's approach in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The Middle East is concerned about military action from the Islamic Republic; Biden spoke with the King of Jordan and his national security team.