In the face of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the United States is taking steps to deter Iran from retaliatory strikes against Israel while avoiding the outbreak of a major regional war. US officials have expressed concern that Iran may launch a direct missile or drone strike within the next few days, in response to Israel's bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus earlier this month.

To demonstrate their commitment to Israeli security, US officials, including President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have been issuing strong messages of solidarity and support for Israel. However, they hope that these declarations, combined with cautionary calls from various world leaders, will discourage Iran from targeting Israel.

In a show of unity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stood in front of American-made F-15 fighters on Thursday, affirming that Israel is prepared to defend itself and respond forcefully to any harm inflicted upon it. Israel relies heavily on US-supplied weaponry, highlighting the importance of the US-Israel alliance in potential conflicts.

The US State Department has been engaged in diplomatic outreach, with Blinken holding phone conversations with counterparts from China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and European countries, urging them to encourage Iran to exercise restraint and avoid escalation. The Biden administration aims to prevent any uncontrollable conflict that could potentially involve US forces in the region.

The US stance on an Israeli response to an Iranian attack remains cautious. The Biden administration will likely urge Israel to exercise restraint and evaluate the specific nature of any Iranian attack. If intercepted or resulting in minimal damage, the US will appeal for a measured response. However, should significant Israeli casualties occur, Israel would be justified in taking forceful action, according to US officials.

To coordinate a joint response to a possible Iranian action, General Michael E Kurilla, the head of US Central Command, reportedly arrived in Israel on Thursday to collaborate with Israeli counterparts. While the details of their discussions remain undisclosed for operational security reasons, this move underscores the seriousness of the situation.

The Biden administration's apprehension about potential Israeli conflicts with Iran or its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, has played a role in its decision to resist calls for arms supply restrictions to Israel due to its actions in Gaza. The prospect of an Iranian strike has also impacted efforts to achieve a long-awaited ceasefire deal in Gaza, as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has previously shown a tendency to escalate conflicts.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has been engaging in diplomatic consultations with several regional counterparts, including those from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Turkey. While in Oman, Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that Iran will not act impetuously but will respond to Israel's attack in a measured manner to avoid major escalation.

Amidst growing concerns, Russia and Germany have called for all parties to exercise restraint in order to prevent the region from descending into chaos. The German airline Lufthansa suspended its flights to Tehran, and Moscow has cautioned Russians against traveling to the Middle East.

As tensions persist, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued warnings, emphasizing that Israel "must be punished." Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly responded, stating that any attack from Iran would prompt an Israeli response.

Inside Iran, there is an internal debate about the best response to what they perceive as psychological warfare. Some skepticism exists regarding the immediate threat of an attack on Israel, with suspicions that the US may be using the situation to divert attention from other issues, such as the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The ongoing developments highlight the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain, deterring Iran from retaliatory strikes against Israel while working to prevent a major regional conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of events and the potential impact on regional stability.