Aviva Fried (correspondent in the United States) / Photo credit: CELAL GUNES / ANADOLU AGENCY / ANADOLU AGENCY VIA AFP
Tensions between Israel and Iran are at their highest, after strikes against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which the mullahs’ regime accuses the Hebrew state of being at the origin. The United States has warned its Israeli ally that an Iranian attack was possible in the coming days. Washington then reaffirmed its support for Israel. We take stock.
The Pentagon sent the general who commands American forces in the Middle East to Israel so that the two armies can coordinate in the event of an Iranian attack, which the United States believes is imminent. A reaction from Washington to reaffirm its support for the Jewish state while tensions with Iran are at their highest, after strikes against the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Firm message
At the same time, diplomats are working to defuse an explosive situation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Turkish, Chinese and Saudi counterparts, asking them to put pressure on the Iranians. But the American message remains very firm. Joe Biden himself hammered it home. “While Israel is threatened by Iran and its cronies, our commitment to its security is unwavering. Unwavering. We will do everything to protect Israel’s security,” he insisted.
But behind the scenes, the Americans are expressing their annoyance with their ally: they would have liked to have been warned in advance of the strikes against the Iranian consulate. They are now trying to identify potential Israeli targets that could be targeted by an Iranian assault. The Americans also fear, to a lesser extent, new attacks against their own positions. So many actions that could ignite the entire region.