US President Joe Biden pledges to defend Israel

US President Joe Biden said on April 15 that the US wanted to prevent conflict in the Middle East from spreading, but pledged to defend Israel after Iran's attack on Washington's key ally.

Speaking during a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani at the White House, President Biden emphasized the US commitment to ensuring Israel's security.

The US leader also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of Washington's personnel and partners in the region, including Iraq.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani called on all parties to exercise restraint and promote “all efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading in the region.”

The meeting took place as Israel considered its response to Iran's drone and missile attack on the evening of April 13.

The Tehran government said the recent attack was in retaliation for the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria.

President Biden called on Israel to “think carefully and strategically” before responding because it could cause the conflict to spread.

Also on April 15, King Abdullah II of Jordan expressed concern that current developments in the Middle East could escalate conflicts, endangering regional security and stability.

Mr. Abdullah II made the statement during a meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid in the capital Amman, during which the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the region.

During the talks, Mr. Abdullah II and Mr. Rashid stressed the need to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip and move towards a just solution to the Palestinian issue, ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ending the cycle of violence in the region.