President Biden Opposes Israeli Retaliatory Strike on Iranian Nuclear Sites
In a bold statement, US President Joe Biden made it clear that he does not support any potential Israeli retaliatory strike on Iranian nuclear sites following Iran’s launch of approximately 180 missiles at Israel.
Tensions have reached a boiling point between Iran and Israel after the Iranian attack on Tuesday, which Israel claims was mostly repelled by its missile defense system.
Iran justified its barrage as a response to the killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan.
The attack also coincided with Israel’s announcement of a ground assault into Lebanon, aiming to dismantle what it referred to as Iran-backed Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” in border villages.
The US has been actively advocating for de-escalation and has been leading negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza, albeit unsuccessfully so far.
During a visit to tour hurricane damage in North Carolina with Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden addressed reporters and firmly stated his stance on the situation.
“Would you support an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites by Israel?” a reporter questioned Biden.
“The answer is no,” Biden responded, emphasizing that the US will engage in discussions with Israel regarding their next steps.
He also mentioned consulting with leaders of other G7 countries who all agree that while Israel has the right to respond, the response should be proportional.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller echoed similar sentiments, labeling Iran’s actions as an “unprecedented escalation” and affirming Israel’s right to respond.
As of now, the White House has not publicly disclosed its recommended course of action for Israel in response to Iran’s attack.
In a video message, Biden praised the collaborative effort between US and Israeli military forces in thwarting the Iranian missiles, deeming the attack as “defeated and ineffective”.
“Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel,” Biden reiterated. — BBC
