Washington, DC – National Iranian American Council issued the following statement following reports that the Biden Administration does not believe it will secure a ceasefire before the U.S. Presidential Election:
“As the danger of a regional war escalates and prospects for a ceasefire diminish, the Biden administration is privately waving a white flag rather than reexamining its options and considering how to use the United States’ immense leverage to secure a ceasefire, including cutting off weapons being used to kill civilians. More civilians are being killed each day and the region is on the brink of war involving the U.S. and Iran – it’s time for the Administration to finally step up, not stand down.
“Israel’s attacks on thousands of communication devices in Lebanon have caused immense civilian suffering across the country. At least 37 people were killed, including two children, and over 3,000 were injured, many in their homes or in public places.
“These strikes are not only a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty but also unconscionably targeted noncombatants and civilians in close proximity to the devices. The use of such tactics—rigging communication devices with explosives—demonstrates an alarming disregard for civilian life. This escalation only pushes the region closer to the brink of a regional war involving the U.S. and Iran. The consequences of this violence extend far beyond the immediate destruction, undermining remaining hopes for peace and entrenching divisions that fuel further conflict.
“The attacks further weaken the Biden administration’s struggling efforts to secure a ceasefire and prevent a wider regional war. Just as Israel is taking yet another reckless action that risks expanding the war, Biden administration officials are again claiming they were kept in the dark as they privately concede that the likelihood of getting a ceasefire before the November elections are virtually nil.
“NIAC condemns the indiscriminate Israeli attacks in Lebanon and all attacks against civilians, and calls on all parties to engage in urgent de-escalation. The Biden administration must do far more to secure an immediate ceasefire and use all available leverage, including an arms embargo, to halt the violence, as continued fighting will only worsen civilian suffering and risk full-scale regional war.”