Biden opposes potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites
US President Joe Biden has expressed that he is against any possible Israeli counterattack on Iranian nuclear facilities following Iran's firing of approximately 180 missiles at Israel.
Relations between Iran and Israel are strained following an Iranian assault on Tuesday. Israel reported that its missile defense system largely thwarted the attack.
Iran stated that the attack was in retaliation for the deaths of Hamas political figure Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan, head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.
The attack occurred shortly after Israel declared its intention to launch a ground offensive in Lebanon, aiming to break down what it described as the “terrorist infrastructure” of Hezbollah, which it claims is supported by Iran, in the villages near the border.
The United States has consistently urged for a reduction in tensions and has been actively involved in ongoing talks aimed at establishing a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. However, these efforts have yet to yield any positive results.
On Wednesday, while visiting North Carolina to assess the damage caused by the hurricane alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden spoke to reporters.
A reporter asked Biden, "Would you back Israel if it decided to target Iran's nuclear facilities?"
He replied, "No."
He mentioned that the United States will be in talks with Israel about their plans.
He mentioned that he had spoken with the leaders of the other G7 nations, and they all concurred that Israel "is entitled to take action, but any response should be measured."
During a press briefing, Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the US State Department, stated, “It’s evident that Iran's actions represent a significant and unprecedented escalation.”
"Israel is entitled to take action in response to this situation. We are currently talking about what that action will entail."
Up to this point, the White House has not expressed any clear opinion on how it thinks Israel should react to Iran's assault.
In a video statement on Tuesday, Biden announced that under his orders, US military teams in the area had assisted in intercepting missiles launched from Iran.
He remarked that the Iranian assault was "thwarted and unsuccessful," describing it as "a reflection of the thorough coordination between the United States and Israel in preparing for and protecting against this bold attack that we anticipated."
"Let there be no doubt, the United States stands completely and unequivocally with Israel," Biden emphasized.
