Biden warns IRAN to ‘be careful’ as he mentions Tehran regime for the first time since Hamas horror attack unfolded in Israel
Biden warns IRAN to be ‘careful’ as he names Tehran regime for first time since Hamas terror attack unfolds in Israel
- The president mentioned Iran during remarks before Jewish leaders
- He said the administration had made it clear to Tehran to ‘be careful’
- The administration said it could not confirm that Iran knew about the attack plan
President Joe Biden issued his first blunt public warning to Iran since the Hamas attack on Israel — after specifically mentioning the regime despite what the administration calls its longtime support for Hamas.
“We’ve made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful,” Biden said Wednesday during a White House meeting with Jewish leaders.
He made the comment as he reiterated that the US would support Israel, detailing elements of a new arms shipment that included interceptors for its Iron Dome defenses as well as ammunition for the Israeli Defense Forces.
It came after an emotional speech on Tuesday where he did not specifically mention Iran, but instead issued a general warning to states and non-state actors alike not to try to exploit the situation in the region.
US President Joe Biden listens as Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks at a roundtable with Jewish community leaders in the Indian Treaty Room of the White House on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Israel bombed Gaza after the horrific attack by Hamas forces, with troops gathering on the border with Gaza for what could be a ground invasion.
Biden told Jewish leaders it would be “bizarre” for him to explain what the US was doing to free hostages in Gaza, but assured them his team was working on it 24 hours a day.
He also expressed hope that whatever is planned may be fruitful, despite years of increasing violence. “I think there’s a chance to end it in a way that makes it very difficult to repeat,” he said.
“I know we can overcome this,” Biden said before expressing optimism about a region that has vilified many of his predecessors.
“I think we can change the Middle East,” he said.