President Joe Biden and his national security team have assured US officials that the US will not participate in any offensive action against Iran in response to a recent barrage of Iranian missiles and drones directed toward Israel. In a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden emphasized that Israel’s successful interception of the Iranian attacks should be seen as a major victory and advised against further Israeli retaliation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Israel to inform the US before any potential response to the Iranian attack, but ultimately the decision on how to respond to Iran lies with Israel.
Biden is focused on preventing a wider escalation of the conflict and plans to convene a meeting of Group of Seven leaders to discuss a united diplomatic response to the situation. The emphasis is on non-military actions that would limit the risk of a larger regional war. Biden praised Israel’s ability to defend against unprecedented attacks and stressed the importance of sending a message to its adversaries that the security of Israel cannot be threatened. However, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu will heed Biden’s advice, especially given the deep tension between the two leaders over the Gaza war and the existing limits of American influence on Israeli decision-making.
Iran’s decision to launch weapons from its territory towards Israel has intensified the longstanding enmity between the two countries, raising the possibility of political pressure within Israel for a response. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, warned that the confrontation with Iran is not over yet and indicated that response options will be discussed during a meeting of Israel’s war cabinet. The Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also threatened direct retaliation if Israel retaliates, suggesting that a new and volatile dynamic has been introduced into the conflict.
Overall, Biden and his administration are working to de-escalate tensions between Iran and Israel by urging restraint and emphasizing diplomatic solutions over military action. Although the US remains supportive of Israel’s right to self-defense, it is cautious about being drawn into a broader conflict in the region. The situation remains fluid and complex, with the potential for further escalation depending on the actions taken by both sides. The Biden administration’s approach underscores the challenges of managing volatile situations in the Middle East and the delicate balancing act required to prevent a larger regional conflict.
