US President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he does not support an Israeli strike on Tehran’s nuclear sites in response to Iran’s missile attack on Israel. When asked if he would back such a move, Biden firmly replied, “The answer is no.” This comes after Iran fired about 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday.
Biden’s stance follows discussions with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the UK—regarding new sanctions on Iran.
Following Iran’s launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles, Israel’s UN diplomat warned that the country’s retaliation would be heavier than Tehran “could ever have imagined.” Israeli chief of staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi added that Israel can strike anywhere in the Middle East, a capability its enemies would soon understand.
The US and its allies are working to prevent the Middle East conflict, ignited by Iran-backed Hamas militants’ attack on Israel on October 7, from escalating further. They have called for Israel to exercise caution in its response to Iran.
While Israel is conducting ground operations along its northern border with Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, which is also supported by Iran, Biden has stressed his opposition to Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, fearing it could inflame the already volatile situation. He acknowledged that Israel has a right to respond to Tuesday’s attack but emphasised the need for proportionality.
Biden reaffirmed US solidarity with Israel and stated that further sanctions against Iran by G7 nations would soon be announced. He also mentioned his upcoming conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss Israel’s next steps.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials have been in discussions with European counterparts about the situation.
Israel’s response
Most of Iran’s missiles were intercepted by Israel’s air defenses, with minimal damage reported at Israeli airbases and one fatality from falling debris in the West Bank. With just hours before Iran’s missile launch on Tuesday night, Washington raised the alarm and has since been in urgent talks with Israel regarding its response.
Israel is reportedly considering a broad attack on Iran’s oil facilities, military bases, or targeted assassinations, while the US is pushing for more economic sanctions alongside Israel’s military actions.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a meeting with top security officials to discuss Israel’s options after talks with Washington.
Meanwhile, eight Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes with Hezbollah following Israel’s first major ground incursions into Lebanon since 2006. Israel’s military has since expanded its operations in the north, issuing evacuation warnings to Lebanese residents near the border, signaling further actions.
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