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Will Biden support a decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities? What the US President said

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US President Joe Biden on Wednesday rejected the possibility of supporting an Israeli strike on Iran 's nuclear facilities in retaliation for the missile attack launched by Iran on Israel . “The answer is no,” Biden told reporters when asked about backing such a move, following Iran’s launch of approximately 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday.

“All seven of us agree that they have a right to respond, but they should respond in proportion,” Biden reiterated as he boarded Air Force One to tour the damage caused by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas.

"We will be discussing with the Israelis what they are going to do," Biden said when a reporter asked whether he would support a decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Biden said he would consider that a step too far. Meanwhile Joe Biden said that, he planned to speak with Netanyahu "relatively soon."

Biden’s remarks followed a teleconference with leaders from the Group of Seven ( G7 ) nations, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, during which they coordinated new sanctions against Iran. The G7 leaders condemned Iran’s attack and expressed their solidarity with Israel's right to defend itself.

The Biden administration has consistently urged caution, concerned that any Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program could trigger a wider regional conflict. “They should respond in proportion,” Biden stressed, highlighting the need for restraint in the escalating Middle East tensions.


Tuesday's missile attack marked Iran’s second direct assault on Israel in six months, following a similar barrage in April. US military forces assisted Israel in defending against both attacks. Despite the heightened tensions, some analysts suggest that Israel may be less inclined to escalate the conflict into a broader confrontation with Iran.

However Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to decide on a course of action, with options ranging from symbolic retaliatory strikes to more aggressive measures, including targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, Biden’s opposition underscores the administration's concern about the risks of large-scale military action.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other US officials continue to engage with their Israeli counterparts, stressing the need to avoid actions that could further inflame the situation.

While some US officials believe Israel is less eager for a major confrontation compared to April, when the Biden administration successfully persuaded Israel to limit its military response, there are concerns that Israel may still take more forceful action against Iran.

Simultaneously, Israel is engaged in military operations against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

In recent weeks, Biden administration officials warned Netanyahu that the conflict with Hezbollah could spiral into a broader regional war, potentially involving Iran, the US, and other countries. However, Netanyahu has continued an aggressive military campaign in Lebanon, despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu's decision to approve the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah further heightened tensions, even as the US and other nations called for de-escalation between Israel and Lebanon.

According to The New York Times, a senior US official said the Biden administration understands that Israel’s clash with Hezbollah is “local and targeted” and does not aim to escalate into a larger conflict or territorial invasion.
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