Biden vows 'ironclad' support for Israel amid Iran attack fears

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April 11, 2024 United States, Colorado, Allenspark 41

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President Joe Biden has promised Israel "ironclad" US support amid fears that Tehran could launch reprisals for an attack that killed senior Iranians.


Mr Biden warned that Iran is threatening to launch a "significant attack" after Israel struck the Iranian consulate in Syria 10 days ago.


"We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," he added.


Earlier on Wednesday, Iran's leader said the Israeli attack in Damascus was equivalent to an attack on Iran itself.


"When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech.


"The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished."


It is not yet clear what form any reprisal attack would take.


For Iran to strike Israel directly would risk an even greater escalation in the conflict, and analysts have said Iran does not have the military capability for a significant confrontation.


A possible alternative is an attack via an Iranian proxy like Hezbollah, which frequently carries out smaller strikes on Israel from neighbouring Lebanon.


On Sunday an Iranian official warned Israel's embassies were "no longer safe", suggesting a consulate building could be a possible target.


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