Biden Aide Reveals Tense Moments Preventing Iran War

Former senior advisor to U.S. President Joe Biden, Brett McGurk, has detailed in a new book and an accompanying Atlantic article the intense diplomatic and military efforts undertaken in 2024 to prevent a wider war in the Middle East. McGurk's account, drawn from his book "On the Brink: An Inside Look at the 7 October Hostage Rescue Race," highlights the complex negotiations for hostage releases, particularly the stalled talks in Cairo, and the high-stakes moments during Iran's unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel.

McGurk described significant friction between the Biden administration and the Israeli government, including Israeli Minister Ron Dermer's angry call to McGurk questioning why the U.S. was treating Israel like a "doormat" after the U.S. abstained from a UN Security Council vote calling for a ceasefire. Tensions escalated further following Israel's strike in Damascus that killed a senior Iranian officer. McGurk recounted a heated phone call between Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which Biden, visibly angry, asked Netanyahu, "What the hell are you doing? Do you think I'm Santa Claus?"

During Iran's April 13, 2024, aerial assault, which involved over 200 drones and 100 ballistic missiles, McGurk was in the White House Situation Room, describing moments of prayer amidst the unfolding events. The successful interception of the attack, a joint effort by Israeli and U.S. forces, prevented casualties in Israel beyond a child injured by shrapnel. Following the successful defense, Biden reportedly told his team before calling Netanyahu, "I just saved his ass, that's what happened. Close this out."

In his subsequent call with Netanyahu, Biden stated, "You seem to have come out okay, Bibi." He urged Netanyahu to accept the victory and respond in a way that would not lead to further escalation, advising, "Take the win." McGurk's narrative emphasizes that while Netanyahu was focused on the military campaign and believed only military pressure would free the hostages, Biden's administration prioritized diplomatic pressure and de-escalation to avert a regional conflict.