During a televised address to the American people on Thursday night, October 19, President Joe Biden issued a strong caution to Iran, signaling that the nation would face consequences for its backing of both Russia and the terrorist group Hamas.
In his speech, President Biden drew parallels between the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the need to prevent “groups like Hamas and Putin, who aim to destabilize neighboring democracies.”
President Biden pointed out that Iran was providing military assistance to both Russia and Hamas, with the latter being responsible for a devastating attack on Israel on October 8, resulting in a tragic death toll of 1,400 individuals.
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“Iran is aiding Russia in Ukraine and supporting Hamas and other extremist organizations in the region,” remarked President Biden. “We will continue to hold them accountable for their actions.”
The President appealed to Congress to pass a requested $100 billion in new funding, a proposition met with resistance from several Congressional Republicans who express hesitancy about allocating additional resources to Ukraine.
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Seated at the Resolute Desk, President Biden argued during his 15-minute address that Russian President Vladimir Putin and the terrorist organization Hamas, responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel, may represent different threats but share a common objective.
“They both seek to undermine and destroy neighboring democracies,” he stressed.
Ukraine and Israel, despite their geographical separation, share a common adversary in Iran.
“American leadership is crucial for global stability,” President Biden stated. “Our alliances and values are integral to our safety and standing as a respected international partner.”
He concluded, “Risking all of this by disengaging from Ukraine or turning our backs on Israel is simply not a worthwhile course of action.”
The President’s remarks came following the unanimous passage of a Senate resolution supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning Hamas’s attacks on civilians.
The resolution also decried Iran’s support for global terrorism, including its backing of terrorist groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
In response to these developments, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned on Tuesday that continued Israeli actions in Gaza could incite impatience among Muslims worldwide and resistance forces.
He asserted that, “Regardless of the actions of the Israeli government, they cannot atone for the significant failures they have suffered.”
The situation remains intricate and volatile, with the international community closely monitoring events in the region.
