Reuters
US supports Israeli retaliation after Iran attack – but still urging restraint
We’re gaining clearer insight into Washington’s efforts to guide Israel as it considers its response to Iran’s missile strikes.
Firstly, it’s evident that President Biden is communicating to Israeli leadership that any military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities is off the table. When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One during a trip to the hurricane-affected southeastern US about US support for an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, Biden firmly replied, “The answer is no.”
He also mentioned his discussions with other world leaders during a G7 conference call, emphasizing that Israel should respond “proportionally.” Additionally, Biden indicated that more sanctions would be imposed on Iran.
At the US State Department, I just attended a briefing with spokesman Matthew Miller. We pressed him on what the US is conveying to Israel, particularly in light of calls from some Republicans for Israel to target Iranian oil production facilities. Miller stated it wasn’t appropriate to discuss ongoing conversations with the Israeli government, but he noted, “It’s clear that this was an unprecedented escalation by Iran. Israel has the right to respond. We’re discussing what that response will entail.”
From what I gather, an Israeli response does not appear to be imminent. While the Americans support retaliation, they are urging restraint to avoid triggering a further Iranian counterattack.
SOURCE BBC NEWS
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