US sends reinforcements to Israel to counter Iranian threat, 'Iran attack possible within 48 hours'
MIDDLE EAST The United States is sending reinforcements to the Middle East as fears grow that Iran could soon attack Israel. The Iranian leadership in Tehran wants to avenge an attack in Syria that killed two Iranian generals, among others. Israel is considering an attack from Iran within 48 hours, Bloomberg news agency reports based on sources.

Motorists must take into account further rising fuel prices at the pump. Oil prices have risen to their highest level in six months, fueled by unrest in the Middle East.
United States intelligence sources fear that most of the approximately 130 Israeli hostages held by Hamas are no longer alive.
Tensions in the Middle East and Iran have risen sharply in recent days after a suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria. Russia, Germany and the United Kingdom have called on Middle Eastern countries to restrain themselves in the face of rising tensions between Iran and Israel.

US President Joe Biden has warned Iran against attacking Israel. "Don't do it," Biden said in a message to Iranian rulers, who have threatened military action against Israel after an attack on Iranians in Syria. Biden said he expected an Iranian retaliation sooner rather than later.

The president emphasized that the United States is "committed" to Israel's defense: "We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," Biden said.