Middle East Concerned About Military Action by the Islamic Republic; Biden Discusses with King of Jordan and National Security Team

As tensions rise in the Middle East, U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris held a meeting with members of the National Security team at the White House on Monday evening. This meeting took place as the Islamic Republic threatened Israel over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, and the Wall Street Journal quoted an Arab diplomat saying that an Iranian official stated that an attack from Iran could occur at any time within the next 48 hours. According to the White House, the President and Vice President were briefed on the latest developments regarding the airstrike on the Ain al-Asad base in Iraq and U.S. measures to protect American forces in Iraq and the region. The National Security team also provided necessary explanations to Biden and Harris regarding U.S. military support for Israel in the event of military action by the Islamic Republic against this country. Recent reports on U.S. and partner diplomatic efforts to prevent direct conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel, establish a ceasefire in Gaza, and reduce regional tensions were also discussed in the meeting. Axios reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that the White House National Security team did not provide a specific date or time for a potential military action by the Iranian government and Hezbollah against Israel. According to CNN, the White House announced that Biden spoke earlier on Monday with the King of Jordan, and both leaders discussed efforts to 'reduce regional tensions.' This call came a day after Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi made a rare visit to Iran, calling for an end to the escalation of violence in the Middle East and stating that the region must be able to live in 'peace, security, and stability.' King Abdullah II of Jordan also emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the Middle East during his call with Biden while warning against violence from extremist settlers against Palestinians. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated on Monday that the United States has asked countries with diplomatic relations with Tehran to urge the Islamic Republic not to escalate the conflict. Meanwhile, hours later, some media reported that at least one missile struck the Ain al-Asad base, where U.S. and international coalition forces against ISIS are stationed in Iraq's Anbar province. Iranian proxy forces have repeatedly attacked U.S. forces in Iraq. According to Reuters, Iranian state television reported that Masoud Pezeshkian, the Islamic Republic's president, described the killing of Ismail Haniyeh as a 'grave mistake' by Israel that 'will not go unanswered.' The rare visit by Jordan's Foreign Minister to Iran comes as Jordan played a significant role in thwarting the Islamic Republic's extensive air attack on Israel last April by intercepting projectiles fired from Iran. In that attack, in retaliation for the killing of several IRGC commanders in Damascus, about 300 missiles and drones were fired at Israel, with only a handful hitting the country and causing no significant damage. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated on Sunday that in his call with his Israeli counterpart, he emphasized the United States' strong support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats from the 'Iranian government, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups supported by [the Islamic Republic] Iran.' Israel neither confirmed nor denied involvement in the killing of Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard. The IRGC claims he was killed by a projectile with a 7-kilogram warhead. No reports have emerged of another individual being killed in that attack, indicating its precision. The son of the former U.S. President has become the head of the 'United Against a Nuclear Iran' organization. The U.S. is 'preparing for all possibilities.' Reports indicate at least one missile hit the Ain al-Asad base. A senior Russian official's visit to Iran coincides with the potential expansion of war in the Middle East. The IRGC claims after a 'great failure' that Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a 'short-range projectile.' Israel Katz stated that the Iranian government has informed Hungary that it will attack Israel. The U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized Israel's right to defend itself against threats from the Islamic Republic. The rare visit by the Jordanian Foreign Minister to Tehran aimed to reduce tensions; the region must live in 'peace, security, and stability.'