An expansion of fighting on the ground also risks a wider regional conflagration, with Iran’s foreign minister warning US officials and military.

“We do not welcome the expansion and scope of the war in the region,” AFP quoted Hossein Amir-Abdollah as saying at the UN. “But I warn if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire.”

Biden sent a rare “direct message” to Iran’s supreme leader warning against further escalations, according to White House spokesman John Kirby.

“My warning to the Ayatollah was that if they continue to move against those troops, we will respond, and he should be prepared. It has nothing to do with Israel,” Biden said.