U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday expressed firm opposition to any potential Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear sites following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Biden underscored the need for a proportional response while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself. “We’ll discuss with the Israelis what they plan to do, but all G7 nations agree they have the right to respond—though that response should be proportional,” he stated, reflecting a united front among major economies.
His comments come in response to Iran firing over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Biden previously described as “ineffective.” This escalation followed the alleged assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces, intensifying tensions in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran would “pay a heavy price” for its actions, leading to speculation about possible Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities. However, Biden swiftly distanced the U.S. from such plans, stating unequivocally, “The answer is no,” when asked if he would support an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Additionally, Biden announced plans to impose further sanctions on Iran, although he did not provide specifics on these measures. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that Iran would face “severe consequences” for its missile attacks on Israel, though he did not detail what those consequences might entail.
This incident marks the second direct targeting of Israel by Iran this year, with nearly 200 rockets launched on Tuesday, causing minimal damage and no known casualties. The White House is under pressure from Congress to tighten sanctions on Iranian oil exports, a vital revenue source for Tehran, but has so far resisted calls for intensified enforcement.
As tensions rise in the Middle East, analysts warn that Israel’s response to these latest attacks could be more aggressive, potentially targeting critical Iranian infrastructure. The fate of Iran’s nuclear program continues to be a divisive issue in U.S. politics, with recent debates reflecting stark differences in opinion on how to address the situation.
