President Joe Biden has ordered emergency talks on possible Iranian retaliation against Israel as his administration steps up the effort to avert an all-out war in the Middle East, reported KLAX-TV.
Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken were on the phone in a frenzied diplomatic bid to defuse the crisis after an apparent Israeli strike killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
"We are intensely engaged in intensive diplomacy, quite literally around the clock," with a clear message to the parties — all parties must refrain from escalating, Blinken told reporters following a high-level meeting at the White House.
"It is imperative that we interrupt this cycle by securing a ceasefire in Gaza," he reiterated, referencing his recent call with G7 counterparts and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani.
President Biden spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah II, whose country had interjected to intercept Iranian drones and missiles in another showdown in April. Mr Blinken had separate conversations with the Qatari and Egyptian foreign ministers - key brokers of a potential cease-fire in the 10-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Monday was tempered, however, as regional tensions rose sharply following a rocket attack that injured several US personnel at an Iraqi base.
What began with a push to at least end the Gaza conflict and forge a historic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia during his final months in office, has turned into an increase in US troop deployment to the region, flexing its muscles against Iran, according to KLAX-TV.
While Biden had previously supported Israel's strikes on Hamas, he was incensed when he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Haniyeh had been killed as he was working on a deal for a truce.
Blinken acknowledged Iran could very well retaliate, and repeated Biden's call for a cease-fire plan that would halt the actual fighting in Gaza and free the hostages taken by Hamas in its October 7 attack on Israel.
"A ceasefire could lead to protracted calm, not only in Gaza but other areas of conflict, also," said Blinken following discussions with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
He added, subtly referring to U.S. concerns, "Ultimately, it hinges on all parties finding common ground and avoiding delays or rejections."
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