US President Joe Biden has issued a statement denouncing Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel, following a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Biden emphasized the US commitment to vigilance against potential threats, noting there were no strikes on US troops or facilities on Saturday. He also cut short a weekend tour to his hometown and convened a meeting with cabinet members in Washington to address the escalating situation.
Taking to social media, Biden shared that he had just met with his team for an update on Iran’s strikes against Israel.
On Saturday, Tehran launched numerous drones at Israel, a move that could escalate tensions between the regional adversaries. This retaliation came after Iran vowed to respond to Israel’s strike on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the death of a senior Iranian general and six other officers.
The White House confirmed that President Biden is regularly briefed on developments in the region, with Reuters reporting that the US military intercepted Iranian drones headed towards Israel.
Meanwhile, in Iran, thousands of people demonstrated in support of the drone strikes against Israel, waving Palestinian and Iranian flags, along with banners and posters.
In response to these developments, the UN Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency session on Sunday. A spokesperson for Malta, holding the rotating presidency, announced that the UNSC meeting is scheduled for 4:00 pm.
