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Biden Rejects Support for Israeli Strike on Iran's Nuclear Sites Amid Escalating Mideast Conflict
President Joe Biden announces US opposition to Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear sites, urging restraint amid escalating Mideast conflict sparked by Iran's missile attack on Israel.
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM 11.16.2022 Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Clevenger 36th Wing
President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that the United States will not support an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear sites in response to the recent missile attack on Israel. "The answer is no," Biden told reporters, emphasizing his opposition to such retaliation after Iran fired approximately 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday.
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Biden's statement came after a phone call with fellow Group of Seven leaders, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom, to discuss coordinating new sanctions against Iran. The leaders "unequivocally condemned Iran's attack against Israel" and reaffirmed America's "full solidarity and support to Israel and its people" [1).
The conflict, sparked by Iran-backed Hamas militants' October 7 attack on Israel, has raised concerns of spreading further. The U.S. and allies are urging Israel to exercise restraint as it considers retaliation against Iran. Israel is currently conducting limited ground operations across its northern border with Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group.
Last month, thousands of explosives hidden in Hezbollah's communication devices killed dozens and injured thousands. Israel is widely believed to be responsible. Biden opposes Israel targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, which could further escalate the conflict.
Israel's options range from a symbolic strike to hitting oil facilities and infrastructure. Targeting Iran's nuclear program is considered the most provocative action, which Biden believes could enflame the Mideast conflict into a broader regional conflict.
Biden supports Israel's right to defend itself and expects G7 sanctions soon. "We will be discussing with the Israelis what they are going to do," Biden said. “All seven of us agree that they have a right to respond.”
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's office stated that G7 leaders expressed "strong concern for the escalation" and emphasized avoiding regional conflict. Biden plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon, as his administration urges restraint.
Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized the need for a "return message" to Iran, acknowledging regional delicacy. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation with British, French, German, and Italian counterparts.
The U.S. military aided Israel in defending against Iran's attack, which was carried out in retaliation for the killing of Tehran-backed Hezbollah leaders.
