The White House announced on Monday that Iran may launch a significant attack on Israel this week, as U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the crisis with European leaders. U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, "We need to be prepared for what could be a series of large-scale attacks." He added, "We share the same concerns and expectations with our Israeli counterparts regarding the timing; it could happen this week."
Kirby's statements came as the United States ordered the accelerated deployment of an aircraft carrier and a guided missile submarine to the region in support of Israel. Iran and Hezbollah have vowed to respond to the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah military leader Fouad Shukr.
On Monday, Biden contacted leaders from Britain, France, Germany, and Italy to discuss the tensions, according to the White House. It was stated that the purpose of the call was "largely to reiterate what all leaders previously said regarding their commitment to defending Israel" and to "send a strong message that we do not want to see any escalation of violence or any attacks by Iran and its proxies."
The leaders also called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as difficult negotiations are expected to take place on Thursday aimed at ending the conflict that began when the Palestinian group attacked Israel on October 7. The call came shortly after Biden returned to the Oval Office following a long weekend at his seaside home in Delaware.