President Joe Biden expressed his opposition to any pre-emptive Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities as tensions between the two nations escalate. Speaking to reporters before departing Washington to assess hurricane damage in the Carolinas, Biden made it clear that while Israel has the right to respond to attacks, any retaliation should be “proportionate.”
Biden’s remarks come after Iran launched nearly 200 rockets at Israel on Tuesday, causing minimal damage. This was the second direct attack by Iran this year, following a similar strike in April. Despite bipartisan pressure from Congress, the Biden administration has so far resisted tightening sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, though National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that “there will be consequences” for the recent missile barrage.
The escalation follows Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon last week, a move that heightened regional tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation for Iran’s missile strikes, with analysts suggesting that Iran’s leadership may be growing increasingly desperate to maintain control in the face of Israeli military pressure.
Biden’s stance on Israel’s potential actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure contrasts with other U.S. voices urging more aggressive support for Israel. Some experts have called for increased missile defense aid and intelligence support to help Israel carry out more significant military operations against Iranian threats.
The situation remains fluid as Israeli leaders weigh their options, and it is unclear whether Netanyahu will heed Biden’s call for restraint.