President Joe Biden expressed optimism on Thursday that a full-scale war in the Middle East could be avoided, despite escalating violence in the region. Speaking to reporters, Biden acknowledged the growing hostilities, particularly between Israel and Iran, but stressed that diplomacy and further efforts were needed to prevent broader conflict.

“I don’t believe there is going to be an all-out war,” Biden said when asked about the likelihood of a major escalation. He compared his uncertainty to predicting the weather, saying, “How confident are you it’s not going to rain?” While indicating cautious optimism, Biden added, "There is a lot to do yet, a lot to do yet."

The president’s remarks come as tensions between Israel and Iran have reached dangerous new heights. On Tuesday, Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that killed top Hezbollah leaders, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's secretary-general, according to Iranian sources. Israel responded with renewed military activity in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah militants and key infrastructure.

While Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Iran and its allies would not back down, Biden assured that the U.S. stands ready to protect its ally, Israel. “We have already helped Israel. We are going to protect Israel,” Biden reiterated when pressed about the potential deployment of U.S. troops to the region.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict also remains a major flashpoint. The recent violence began with an October 2023 attack by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 Israelis, with hostages taken. Israel’s response in Gaza has led to more than 41,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread destruction, and genocide allegations that Israel denies. Meanwhile, Israeli military action in Lebanon has caused over 1 million people to flee, according to Lebanese authorities, and resulted in severe damage to cities like Beirut.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have intensified, with recent attacks targeting Hezbollah-affiliated rescue teams and medical facilities. On Friday, strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the town of Marjayoun, forcing the evacuation of a local hospital. Medical staff, fearing for their safety, have decided to leave.

International pressure for a ceasefire continues to mount. The U.S., European Union, and other global powers have called for a 21-day ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed. Lebanon’s leadership has echoed this sentiment, urging restraint and condemning the scale of Israeli attacks. However, Israeli officials maintain that their actions are necessary for the safety of citizens forced to evacuate from northern Israel after Hezbollah’s rocket bombardments.

With over 1.2 million Lebanese displaced, the humanitarian crisis is worsening. United Nations officials report that shelters are at full capacity, leaving many to sleep in the streets. A recent Israeli airstrike has blocked Lebanon's main border crossing into Syria, complicating the already desperate efforts of those trying to flee.

Fears of broader regional warfare have also rattled global oil markets. Biden’s suggestion that Israel might target Iran’s oil facilities in response to Tehran’s missile attacks has contributed to rising oil prices. As traders anticipate potential disruptions to supply, the stakes continue to escalate both militarily and economically.

Despite the bleak outlook, Biden remained hopeful, emphasizing that the situation could still be de-escalated with sustained diplomatic efforts. "We can avoid it," he said, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and intervention to prevent further catastrophe.

 As the conflict continues to spiral, world leaders are calling for immediate action to halt the violence and prevent the situation from devolving into a full-scale regional war. President Biden’s assurances of U.S. support for Israel, paired with calls for de-escalation, highlight the delicate balance between military action and diplomacy in one of the world's most volatile regions.