Biden Aide Reveals Tense Moments Averting Wider War with Iran

Former senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, Brett McGurk, has revealed details of U.S. efforts to prevent a wider war in the Middle East during 2024, drawing from his new book. McGurk's account, published in The Atlantic, details diplomatic and military actions aimed at deterring an unprecedented Iranian attack and preventing regional escalation.

The article highlights significant friction between the Biden administration and the Israeli government, particularly concerning U.S. abstentions on UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire. McGurk recounts a call from Israeli Minister Ron Dermer, who questioned why the U.S. was treating Israel like a "doormat."

McGurk also describes direct confrontations between Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israeli military actions. In one instance, after Israel's strike in Damascus that killed an Iranian officer, Biden reportedly berated Netanyahu, asking, "What the hell are you doing? Do you think I'm Santa Claus?"

During the Iranian drone and missile attack on April 13, 2024, McGurk describes tense moments in the White House Situation Room as the U.S. and its allies worked to intercept the projectiles. Following the successful defense, Biden reportedly told his team, "I just saved his ass, that's what happened. Close this out here," before speaking with Netanyahu. Biden urged Netanyahu to accept the victory and avoid further escalation, stating, "You came out okay. Take the win."