US President Joe Biden and his vice-president — and Democratic presidential candidate in November’s election — Kamala Harris were briefed by the White House national security team on developments in the Middle East, including threats against Washington is being raised by Iran and its allies over US military personnel in the region, according to the US presidency.

They were briefed on the attack on Al Asad Air Base and the measures being considered to protect members of the US armed forces and respond to any attack.

They were also briefed on the US military’s moves to support Israel’s defenses should it be targeted again. And also, for the diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tension in the region and the — still deadlocked — efforts to agree a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas, always according to the services of the American presidency.