Biden and Jordanian king speak as US scrambles to avert regional war

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden spoke with Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday as the two countries work to head off an expected Iranian attack on Israel following the assassination in Tehran of Hamas’ political leader. 

According to a short White House readout of their call, “The leaders discussed their efforts to de-escalate regional tensions, including through an immediate cease-fire and hostage release deal" in Gaza. Biden also “affirmed unwavering US support for Jordan as a partner and ally in promoting regional peace and security.”

Later on Monday, Biden will convene a meeting of his national security team in Washington to discuss efforts to mitigate the risk of a wider regional war involving Iran and its network of militant groups. 

Iran pledged to respond to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s covert killing in its capital last Wednesday, which came hours after an Israeli-claimed strike in Beirut killed senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its role in the Haniyeh killing but has previously vowed to hunt down the masterminds of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.