Critical: Rising Israel-Iran Tensions Strain US Policy During Gaza Conflict

In Washington, DC, President Joe Biden issued a succinct, firm warning to Iran in response to its threats of retaliation following a deadly airstrike by Israel on its consulate in Damascus, simply stating, "Don't." Despite this, analysts predict that Iran is likely to retaliate, heightening the risk of a broader regional conflict and underscoring the limitations of U.S. deterrence in the Middle East. This escalation adds to the pressures on U.S. foreign policy, which is already navigating the dual challenges of unwavering support for Israel and preventing the Gaza conflict from widening.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute, criticized Biden's approach, arguing that the President should have condemned Israel's April 1 attack on the Iranian embassy, which he said violated international law and endangered U.S. troops in the area. Instead, Parsi noted, the Biden administration has opted to reassure Israel of its support.

The U.S. stands out among some of its Arab and Western allies for not denouncing the Israeli strike on the Iranian diplomatic site in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two generals. The White House quickly clarified that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike.

U.S. diplomats have been actively engaging with global counterparts to promote moderation from Iran, while simultaneously reiterating their steadfast support for Israel, which has stirred concerns about a potential direct conflict between the U.S. and Tehran.

"We are devoted to the defense of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed," Biden declared on Friday. Both the Pentagon and the State Department have echoed this sentiment.

Parsi criticized this stance as removing any incentive for Israel to seek de-escalation. He also highlighted that Biden's initial supportive approach towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the onset of the Gaza war endorsed the severe actions and violations of rights in the Palestinian territories.