< strong>US President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran will back down despite its threat to avenge the killing of the leader of “Hamas” in Tehran, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
Tensions in the Middle East escalated after the assassination of the head of the political wing of “Hamas” Ismail Haniya, and the Israeli airstrike on Beirut carried out hours earlier, which killed the high-ranking military commander of “Hezbollah” Fuad Shukr.
Iran and “Hamas” blamed Israel for Haniya's murder and vowed together with "Hezbollah" to take revenge.
Biden responded to a journalist's question about whether Iran would back down by saying: “I hope so. I don't know“.
The Pentagon said Friday it will send more warships and fighter jets to the Middle East in response to threats against Israel.
At the same time, the US and its international partners, including France, Great Britain, Italy and Egypt, continue diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.