Iran’s October 1 missile attack on Israel drew sharp criticism from Biden administration officials. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan called the attack a “significant escalation” and stated that the administration would work with Israel to ensure that there would be “severe consequences.” Vice President Kamala Harris declared that the administration will not hesitate to take necessary action against Iran. On October 2, President Joe Biden joined the G7 in reaffirming support for Israel while expressing concern for continued regional escalation. Biden added that he would not support an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites but that he would discuss with Israeli officials how to respond “in proportion.” Along with the President, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III emphasized that the United States remains “well postured to defend US personnel, allies, and partners” during an October 1 conversation with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
Congress joined the administration in condemning Iran’s attack. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman (HFAC) Michael McCaul (R-TX) urged Biden on October 1 to expedite weapons to Israel and increase financial pressure on Iran, a message also delivered in an October 2 letter led by Rep. Keith Self (R-TX). HFAC Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) stated that there “must be consequences for Iran’s behavior.” In the Senate, Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Chairman Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) similarly condemned Iran and declared their support for Israel. In addition, more than a dozen lawmakers issued statements calling for a strong Israeli response, with some calling for US military participation.
Also happening in Washington last week…
I. Legislative Branch
Bipartisan Group to Introduce “Sudan Accountability Act.” On October 2, Sens. Risch (R-ID), ranking member of the SFRC, Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Todd Young (R-IN) announced the Sudan Accountability Act, which would seek to hold war crimes perpetrators accountable, improve humanitarian access, enhance civilian protection, and end the conflict.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
VP’s National Security Advisor Meets with Arab and Palestinian Community Leaders. On October 2, National Security Advisor to the Vice President Phillip Gordon met virtually with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian American community leaders to discuss the situations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. According to the White House readout, Gordon “expressed concern for civilians in Lebanon” and reaffirmed the Vice President’s commitment to “engage with Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian communities across the United States.”
Sullivan Speaks with UAE President. On October 2, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates to discuss bilateral cooperation and Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan.
Biden Says Talks on Iran Strike Ongoing. At an October 4 press briefing, President Biden said that his administration is continuing to discuss with Israeli officials Israel’s response to Iran’s recent missile attack. Biden stated, “if I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields.” While reiterating his support for Israel, Biden noted that “they have to be very much more careful about dealing with civilian casualties.” Biden also remarked, “No administration has helped Israel more than I have. None. None. None. And I think Bibi should remember that.”
2) Department of State
Department Issues Statement on Houthi Detentions of Aid Workers. On September 27, the Department of State, along with the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Yemen, called for the release of UN and NGO staff, former diplomats, and others detained by the Houthis in June.
Military Mission to Defeat ISIS in Iraq to Conclude by 2025. On September 27, the United States and Iraq announced that the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS’s military mission in Iraq will conclude by September 2025, after which it will transition to a bilateral security partnership model that supports Iraqi forces. The announcement notes that the military mission of the Coalition in Syria will continue until September 2026 in a role to be determined by the US-Iraq Higher Military Commission. On September 30, Global Coalition foreign ministers and other senior officials convened in Washington to discuss the Iraq mission’s transition. Additionally, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein.
Secretary Blinken Meets with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister. On September 30, Secretary Blinken met with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya to discuss the US-Kuwaiti strategic partnership, a Gaza ceasefire, and the situation in Lebanon. Blinken thanked the foreign minister for Kuwait’s role in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and Sudan.
United States and OIC Sign MOU on Women’s Empowerment. On October 1, the United States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the empowerment of women and girls globally.
Secretary Blinken Meets with Moroccan Foreign Minister. On October 1, Secretary Blinken met with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to discuss the bilateral relations, including Morocco’s role in addressing the political stalemate in Libya and Sahel instability. Blinken expressed gratitude for Morocco’s humanitarian support in Gaza and the West Bank and efforts to revitalize the Palestinian Authority. He also reaffirmed US support for the efforts of Staffan de Mistura, the UN personal envoy of the Secretary-Generalto advance a political solution for Western Sahara through Morocco’s Autonomy Proposal.
United States and Bahrain Hold Fourth Strategic Dialogue. On October 1, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass met with the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary for Political Affairs Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa for the fourth US-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue. The dialogue focused on strengthening cooperation in trade and investment, energy, counterterrorism, economic innovation, and cultural exchange. The officials reaffirmed a commitment to ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting a two-state solution. They also discussed Red Sea security and the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement between the United States and Bahrain.
United States Issues Statement at Meeting of Somalia Quint. On October 1, the United States, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia met for the seventh meeting of the Somalia Quint. The Quint discussed issues relating to the Federal Republic of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and security.
Department Supportive of Israeli Operations in Lebanon. On October 3, in reference to Israel’s operations in Lebanon, Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that “it’s appropriate that Israel take steps to try and deal with what has been an untenable security situation both for them and for the Lebanese people.” Miller added that “Lebanon needs to overcome the dysfunction in the system and elect a president.”
Blinken Announces Humanitarian Aid for Lebanon. On October 4, Secretary Blinken announced that the United States is providing nearly $157 million in new humanitarian assistance to support internally displaced and refugee populations in Lebanon as well as those who have fled to Syria as a result of Israel’s attack.
Blinken Speaks with Qatari and Saudi Foreign Ministers. On October 5, Secretary Blinken met with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The officials discussed the situation in Lebanon and implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 regarding Lebanon, as well as ceasefire efforts and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
3) Department of Defense
DoD Announces Strikes in Syria. On September 29, CENTCOM Forces conducted two strikes in Syria, reportedly killing 37 individuals and multiple senior leaders of the so-called Islamic State and Hurras al-Din [also known as Al Qaeda in Syria]. The operation followed strikes on September 16 and September 24.
US Forces Strike Houthi Targets in Yemen. On October 4, US and British forces reportedly struck more than a dozen targets in Yemen, including Houthi weapons systems, bases, and other equipment.
4) Department of the Treasury
Treasury Sanctions Iranian Actors Over Election Interference. On September 27, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated seven individuals for involvement in an Iranian operation to influence the 2024 and 2020 US presidential elections. Concurrent actions were announced by the Department of State and the Department of Justice.
Treasury Sanctions Israeli Settler Group. On October 1, OFAC announced sanctions against Hilltop Youth, an extremist settler group responsible for attacking Palestinians and their property in the West Bank. Concurrently, the Department of State imposed sanctions on two Israeli individuals connected to violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Treasury Sanctions Houthi Weapons Network. On October 2, OFAC announced new sanctions on Houthi weapons smuggling and procurement networks. The Department of State announced concurrent sanctions.
5) United States Agency for International Development
USAID Announces Additional Aid for Palestinians. On September 30, USAID announced $336 million in new humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
