Biden Interrupts Delaware Trip for Urgent Middle East Talks Amid Iran-Israel Tensions and Seized Ship
US President Joe Biden returned to Washington from Delaware on Saturday for urgent talks over escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The tensions come after an alleged Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus on April 1, which killed seven members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, including two generals.
Iran has vowed retaliation for the attack, leading to concerns of potential conflict between Israel and Iran.
Biden held consultations with his national security team to discuss the situation and respond to any potential threats.
Iran is expected to launch a significant attack on Israel, US officials have warned.
Tensions escalated on Saturday when Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a container ship, "related to the Zionist regime (Israel)" near the Strait of Hormuz.
The ship, which is British-owned and operated by the Italian-Swiss group MSC, was boarded by Iranian authorities.
The White House condemned the seizure as a violation of international law and an act of piracy.
President Biden expects Iran to retaliate against the US soon, as tensions have been escalating.
Earlier in the week, Biden stated that Iran was threatening to launch a significant attack.
On Thursday, the top US commander for the Middle East traveled to Israel to discuss security threats with Israeli military officials.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Gulf with the Indian Ocean, is a crucial waterway for global oil consumption, with more than 20% passing through it annually.