President Joe Biden and his national security team have communicated to their counterparts that the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran, following a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed towards Israel. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden framed Israel’s interception of the Iranian attacks as a major victory and suggested that further Israeli response was unnecessary. The White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, emphasized that Israel’s success in preventing widespread damage showcased its military and diplomatic superiority over Iran.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Israel to notify the US ahead of any potential response to the Iranian attack, but emphasized that the final decision on how to respond to Iran is up to Israel. Biden convened a meeting with the Group of Seven leaders to discuss a united diplomatic response aimed at limiting the prospects of a wider war. While Biden praised Israel’s ability to defend against unprecedented attacks, the decision on how to proceed remains uncertain, particularly given the deep tension between Netanyahu and Biden over the war in Gaza.
The Iranian attack, launched from Iranian soil against Israel, escalates the longstanding enmity between the two countries. There will likely be internal pressure in Israel for some form of response to the Iranian aggression. However, Kirby stated that the attack does not necessarily indicate the start of a broader regional war, as both the US and Israel had advance knowledge of Iran’s intentions. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the confrontation with Iran is not over yet and Israel’s war cabinet is expected to discuss response options.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander, Hossein Salami, issued a warning that Tehran would directly respond if Israel retaliates, creating a new equation in the conflict. The situation remains tense and uncertain, with potential for further escalation. The US is focused on diplomatic solutions to prevent a wider war and support Israel’s defense capabilities. The ongoing conflict highlights the complex dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran, with all parties navigating delicate political and military pressures.
