American officials anticipate that Israel’s response to Iran’s recent attack will likely be limited in scope and focus on striking Iranian military forces and their proxies outside Iran. Prior to the attack, Israeli officials had briefed U.S. officials on their possible response options, although the final decision is still unknown. The potential responses could range from no military action to strikes inside Iran, although strikes outside Iran are considered more likely given the lack of Israeli casualties or widespread destruction in the initial attack. These strikes could target shipments or storage facilities of advanced missile parts being sent from Iran to Hezbollah in Syria. The U.S. does not plan on participating in the military response but expects Israel to share information with them on potential repercussions for Americans in the region.
Following the Iranian attack, Israeli leaders have indicated that a response may be “imminent” and have discussed various diplomatic and military options during a meeting of Israel’s war cabinet. The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system successfully intercepted the majority of drones and missiles fired from Iran over the weekend. President Joe Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not engage in offensive operations against Iran. Additionally, a number of nations and diplomats have condemned the weekend strikes and have called for restraint to avoid further escalation in the region. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent major military confrontations in the Middle East.
The U.S. assessment of potential Israeli responses is based on conversations between American and Israeli officials prior to the weekend attack. The U.S. officials do not know when Israel’s response will occur but believe it could happen at any time. President Biden and other world leaders have urged Israel to show restraint in its response to Iran’s attack. The U.S. also expects Israel to provide advance information on any actions that could have negative consequences for Americans in the region. Israel’s response is likely to focus on strikes outside Iran, potentially targeting Iranian military forces and their proxies in Syria rather than senior Iranian officials. Despite the assistance received from the U.S. and other allies during the weekend strikes, the U.S. will not participate in offensive operations against Iran as per President Biden’s assurances to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
While a potential Israeli response to Iran’s attack is still uncertain, it is expected to be measured and focused on targets outside Iran. The U.S. does not plan on joining in the military response but anticipates being briefed on the actions by Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as the involvement of Iranian-backed proxies, has raised concerns about further escalation in the region. The international community has called for restraint and has condemned the weekend strikes, with a focus on preventing major military confrontations in the Middle East. The outcome of the Israeli response remains to be seen, but the U.S. and other allies stand ready to assist in de-escalating tensions and promoting stability in the region.
