WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden stated that US forces assisted Israel in intercepting nearly all of the drones and missiles launched by Iran on Saturday. However, he seemed to discourage Israel from retaliating against Tehran, emphasizing that Israel had already demonstrated its strength.

Biden also announced that he would convene fellow G7 leaders on Sunday to coordinate a diplomatic response against Tehran, signaling his efforts to prevent further military escalation in the Middle

The president affirmed Washington's unwavering support for Israel during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He praised Israel's ability to defend itself against unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to its adversaries.

Following a presumed Israeli strike on Iranians in Damascus, Biden ordered the deployment of US military aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the Middle East. He credited these deployments and the expertise of US servicemembers for assisting Israel in neutralizing most of the incoming threats.

Biden's remarks underscored the delicate balance between supporting Israel and deescalating tensions to avoid being drawn into another Middle East conflict. Amid fears of escalating violence, Biden's handling of the situation will face scrutiny in an election year.

Tensions escalated when Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship near the Strait of Hormuz, an act condemned by the White House as piracy. The strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil consumption passes, remains a focal point of geopolitical tensions.