President Joe Biden and senior members of his national security team have communicated to their counterparts that the US will not engage in offensive actions against Iran in response to the recent barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed at Israel. Biden emphasized to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's successful interception of the Iranian attacks should be viewed as a victory, indicating that further Israeli response may not be necessary.
The White House praised Israel's military and diplomatic superiority in thwarting the attacks, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting prior notification from Israel regarding any potential response to Iran. Biden is working to prevent a broader escalation of the conflict and plans to convene a meeting with Group of Seven leaders to discuss a united diplomatic response aimed at avoiding military actions that could lead to a wider war.
While Biden commended Israel's defense capabilities, the decision on how to proceed ultimately rests with Israel. The Iranian attacks, launched from Iranian territory, have heightened tensions between the two countries, potentially prompting internal pressure in Israel for a response. However, US officials believe the situation does not necessarily signal the start of a broader regional war and stress that both the US and Israel were aware of Iran's intentions beforehand.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant cautioned that the confrontation with Iran is ongoing, and Israel's response options will be deliberated in an upcoming war cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Hossein Salami warned of direct retaliation if Israel responds, suggesting a precarious new dynamic in the longstanding enmity between the two nations.
