In a sudden move, President Joe Biden has cut short his planned weekend in Delaware to return to Washington and consult with his national security team about the escalating situation in the Middle East. The White House announced the decision on Saturday afternoon, citing the need to address the events unfolding between Israel and Iran.

President Biden's decision comes after he expressed concerns on Friday about a potential Iranian attack on Israel, stating that he expects it to happen "sooner rather than later." In a strong message to Tehran, Biden urged them to refrain from such actions, saying, "Don't."

The White House's national security spokesperson, John Kirby, had earlier warned that the threat of a significant Iranian attack on Israel remained "viable." International efforts led by the United States, including diplomatic calls from the UK and Germany to Tehran, have been made to prevent further escalation in the region.

On Saturday, tension heightened as Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, 50 nautical miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. This incident follows Iran's threats of reprisals against Israel for a recent strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several members of the Revolutionary Guards.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, discussing urgent regional threats in the Middle East. The Pentagon emphasized the unwavering support of the United States for Israel's defense. Gallant has stated that the Israeli government is closely monitoring "a planned attack" by Iran and its proxies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also been engaged in intense diplomatic communications with counterparts in an effort to de-escalate tensions and increase international influence over Iran. However, it is unclear whether a specific event or piece of intelligence prompted President Biden's sudden return to Washington.

The swift decision to abort his weekend plans signals the United States' growing concerns over the risk of an Iranian attack on Israel. The already volatile climate in the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, raises fears of further escalation.

In a separate development, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group claimed responsibility for firing dozens of rockets at Israeli artillery positions on Friday. This attack was purportedly in response to Israeli strikes across the Israel-Lebanon border.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains on high alert, closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. The actions taken by President Biden and ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect the urgency and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need to prevent any further escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran.