US President Biden has warned of an imminent attack by Iran on Israel – “sooner rather than later”. However, according to a high-ranking ex-general, it is unclear whether such an attack will even take place.
According to American military experts, US President Joe Biden wanted one thing above all: to demonstrate determination and thus deter Iran from a major retaliatory strike. Former US general John Allen told CNN that Iran’s leadership must do something to avoid appearing “weak” after the alleged Israeli attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
Allen emphasized that President Biden is not only fundamentally committed to protecting Israel. He also expressed himself so clearly because a major direct attack by Iran on Israel would also endanger Americans: “There are thousands of Americans living in Israel. A comprehensive attack on Israel would also be an attack on Americans. Hence the warning to Iran “Not to attack Israel.”
Biden: “Sooner rather than later”
President Biden initially said in response to questions from reporters in Washington that he expected an Iranian retaliation “sooner rather than later.” When asked what his message was to Iran, Biden replied: “Don’t do it.”
The president then reassured Israel of US support and said: “We are committed to the defense of Israel. We will help defend Israel. And Iran will not succeed.”
Allen: “Direct attack would be a high risk for Iran”
When asked what he thinks will happen next, former General Allen told CNN: “There are a number of possibilities. It could be that there is currently no Iranian attack at all. Iran has always had retaliatory actions in the past showed great patience again.” In the end, the goal could also be an Israeli embassy in another part of the world.
“A direct attack on Israel would be a high risk for Iran. The US has a long list of targets and knows exactly what they can hit in Iran and how,” said Allen. He is one of the senior retired US military officers who tend to stay well informed and comment regularly in US media.
The Wall Street Journal newspaper also reports, referring to government circles, that according to the USA’s assessment, the Iranian leadership is discussing attack plans, but a final decision has not yet been made in Tehran.
Ralf Borchard, ARD Washington, tagesschau, April 13, 2024 7:44 p.m