Biden States US Will Not Support Israeli Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities, According to Reuters

By Trevor Hunnicutt, Matt Spetalnick, and Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON – U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that he would not endorse any Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites in retaliation for its recent ballistic missile attack, urging Israel to respond “proportionally” to its regional adversary.

This announcement came a day after Iran launched over 180 missiles at Israel, an attack Biden had previously termed “ineffective.” In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Iran would face consequences for its actions.

“We will be discussing with the Israelis what their plans are, but all seven of us from the G7 nations agree that while they have the right to respond, it should be a proportional response,” Biden told reporters before boarding Air Force One.

Analysts suggested that Israel’s retaliation might be more severe than its previous response to Iran’s missile and drone attacks in April, with possibilities of targeting Tehran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure. Other experts indicated that the U.S. would likely attempt to moderate Israel’s reaction to prevent escalating the situation into a regional conflict.

When asked if he would support an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Biden firmly responded, “The answer is no.”

The president also indicated that additional sanctions would be levied against Iran and mentioned that he would be communicating with Netanyahu soon, emphasizing that “Iran is way off course.”

Israeli officials have informed U.S. counterparts that they are in the process of determining targets, timing, and methods for their potential response to Iran’s missile assault. According to a source familiar with the discussions, while Israel may not feel an urgent need to retaliate immediately due to its success in intercepting the Iranian attack, there is concern that a delayed response could diminish its deterrent effect.

Unlike after the April incident, the U.S. is not urging Israel to refrain from retaliation but is advocating for careful consideration of the potential repercussions.

Iran’s missile offensive has heightened tensions in a region where the Biden administration has been intensely negotiating a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, with expectations of an imminent agreement.

In the remaining months of his presidency, Biden faces significant criticism both domestically and internationally for his staunch military support for Israel, an issue that also affects Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic presidential campaign.

At a recent virtual event hosted by a Washington think tank, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell reiterated the U.S. position that Iran’s actions were “deeply irresponsible” and that a “return message” was necessary. However, he also expressed concern that the Middle East is currently on a “knife’s edge,” raising fears of a broader escalation that could jeopardize both Israeli and U.S. strategic interests.

“We have tried to convey our support for some actions undertaken by Israel, but we are apprehensive about extensive ground operations in Lebanon,” he added.

Netanyahu has not always followed the Biden administration’s recommendations in the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Israeli military is currently engaged in combat with Iran-backed Hezbollah on its northern border. On Wednesday, eight Israeli soldiers lost their lives, marking the deadliest day for the Israeli military in a year of clashes with Hezbollah.

Iran declared on Wednesday that it had completed its missile barrage—its largest assault on Israel to date—unless provoked further.

Israel regards Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat, though Tehran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran’s nuclear facilities are dispersed across numerous locations, many situated deep underground.

Iran had previously agreed to limit its nuclear activities under a U.S.-led international agreement established in 2015, which collapsed after former President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. in 2018. Since then, Iran has escalated its uranium enrichment efforts, significantly decreasing the time required to produce weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear bomb.