President Joe Biden has voiced his opposition to any military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, following a significant missile assault directed at Israel earlier this week. In a conversation with a reporter on Wednesday, while boarding Air Force One en route to tour hurricane damage in North Carolina, Biden made his position clear regarding the potential for escalated conflict in the region.
When asked whether he supported such strikes on Iran, Biden responded, “The answer is no,” adding, “All seven of us agree that they have a right to respond, but they should respond in proportion.” His comments reflect a consensus among the leaders of the Group of Seven (G-7) nations, including the United States, that while Israel has the right to defend itself, any retaliation should be measured to avoid further escalation.
The missile barrage, which occurred late Tuesday night, saw nearly 200 projectiles fired at various locations across Israel, according to reports from *Foreign Desk News*. The assault is believed to have been orchestrated by Iranian forces or Tehran-backed militant groups. It followed Israeli actions that targeted key allies and officials of the Iranian regime, part of an ongoing covert conflict between the two nations. Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems successfully intercepted most of the projectiles, preventing significant damage and casualties.
The incident, which lasted over an hour, marks the second major Iranian missile attack on Israel this year. Analysts view the assault as retaliation by Iran for Israeli operations aimed at disrupting Tehran’s influence in the region. Despite this, Israeli leaders have been cautious about how they respond, mindful of the broader geopolitical and military consequences.
In response to the missile strikes, Biden’s administration and G-7 leaders moved swiftly, agreeing to implement new sanctions on Tehran, condemning the aggressive actions of the regime. These sanctions are part of a broader effort to curb Iranian militarism and its destabilizing role in the Middle East.
Following the attack, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened to determine an appropriate response. According to Israeli media, Cabinet members stressed the importance of closely coordinating with the U.S. before taking any military action, particularly with the upcoming U.S. presidential election looming. While Israel has vowed a strong retaliation, it appears to be considering its moves carefully, balancing national security with diplomatic concerns.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi confirmed in a video message that a counterattack is in the works. Speaking from Tel Nof Airbase on Wednesday, Halevi warned that the IDF possesses the capability to “reach and strike any point in the Middle East.” His statement underscored Israel’s readiness to act decisively but also suggested that the timing and scope of the response remain under deliberation.
This latest development in the long-standing tensions between Israel and Iran poses a challenge for international diplomacy. While the U.S. remains a key ally to Israel, Biden’s comments highlight the administration’s desire to prevent a full-scale conflict in the region, especially targeting sensitive areas like Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. As diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions take center stage, the world watches closely to see how both nations navigate this volatile situation.
