In the wake of Iranian ballistic missile strikes earlier this week, Israel has not provided assurances to the Biden administration that targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities is off the table, according to a senior US State Department official. The situation has added to mounting tensions, with US officials grappling with the potential for a broader regional conflict as Israel considers its response.
While Israeli leaders have yet to announce a clear course of action, US President Joe Biden has publicly stated that the US would not support Israel striking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Biden stressed the importance of exploring alternatives. “If I were in her shoes, I’d be thinking about or options than striking oil fields,” Biden remarked, reflecting on the delicate balance Israel faces as it formulates a strategy.
Despite the US stance, the official who spoke with CNN highlighted that Israel has not definitively ruled out any actions. “It’s really hard to tell what Israel might do,” the official said when asked whether a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities was imminent. “We hope and expect to see wisdom as well as strength, but as you know, no guarantees,” y added, leaving room for ambiguity about Israel’s potential response.
Tensions Around Hamas Attack Anniversary
With the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel approaching, questions remain about the timing of any Israeli retaliation. Senior State Department official suggested that Israel may avoid launching strikes on that day due to the solemnity of the occasion. “I think in some ways y would want to avoid seventh, so in my estimation, if he is anything, it would likely be before or after,” the official explained. Anniversary is a particularly sensitive time in Israel, and any military actions could overshadow the remembrance of the deadly attacks last year.
US officials have publicly voiced their support for Israel in responding to the Iranian missile attack, emphasizing that re must be consequences. However, concerns persist about the broader implications of any Israeli military action. Re is a growing fear that an Israeli strike—particularly one targeting Iran’s nuclear program—could spark a wider regional conflict.
Biden acknowledged the risks, emphasizing the need for restraint. “This is on edge,” a senior official warned, underscoring the precarious state of affairs in the Middle East.
US-Israel Coordination
For nearly a year, US diplomats have been working to prevent Israeli-Iranian tensions from escalating into a full-blown war. Biden administration has maintained constant contact with Israeli officials, with the president noting that US and Israeli leaders are in communication “12 hours a day.” However, despite the efforts, re have been moments of surprise between the two countries in recent months, complicating our coordination.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell also touched on the issue, noting that both nations are working hard to keep channels of communication open. “we have been moments of surprise, I don’t think that’s a secret, throughout the last couple of months,” Campbell stated. He also emphasized the US approach of urging Israel to proceed with caution in responding to Iranian aggression. “Our dominant message is, ‘let’s take great care in whatever we do concerning Iran,’” Campbell said during an event at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Uncertainty Looms
At this point, it remains unclear when Israel will decide on its next steps. Biden suggested on Friday that Israel was “not going to make a decision immediately,” signaling that any military response could be delayed as Israeli leaders weigh its options. President’s comments and statements from US officials reflect an understanding of the complexities Israel faces in formulating a response that balances strength with regional stability.
As tensions simmer, the world watches to see how Israel will respond to Iran’s provocations and where conflict will escalate further, drawing in more players from the region and beyond. The US continues to stress diplomacy and communication, but the path forward remains uncertain in such a volatile environment.
