John AdoyiThe United States has declared that it will not support any Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as tensions in the Middle East build up, following a missile strike by Iran on Israel.
The escalation occurred after nearly 200 missiles were launched by Iran on Tuesday, in retaliation for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other key officials from Hezbollah and Hamas by Israel last Friday.
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In response to Iran’s missile attack, Israel’s War Council has vowed a “severe response,” though details of their plan have not yet been disclosed.
Israeli officials are reportedly weighing their options as the region teeters on the edge of further conflict.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, U.S. President Joe Biden made clear that while Israel has a right to defend itself, he does not support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites. When asked if the U.S. would back such an attack, Biden firmly responded, “The answer is no.” However, he emphasized that any Israeli retaliation must be proportionate and considered carefully, reflecting concerns about the fragile situation in the region.
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Biden’s remarks followed a conversation with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom—who collectively condemned Iran’s actions. The leaders also discussed imposing new sanctions on Iran. The White House later reiterated the U.S.’s “full solidarity and support to Israel and its people.”
“We will be discussing with the Israelis what they are going to do,” Biden said, adding that he planned to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon to further coordinate responses. Echoing the president’s caution, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stressed the importance of a “return message” to Iran but warned that the region was “balancing on a knife’s edge.”
Iran, meanwhile, claimed on Wednesday that it had completed its retaliation for the killing of Nasrallah, but warned of a more severe response should Israel or its allies continue aggression against it.
The situation remains highly volatile, with both Israel and Iran continuing to signal their readiness for further action. International observers fear that any miscalculation could lead to a broader regional conflict.
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