Biden urges restraint: Opposes Israeli strike on Iran's nukes
The President of the USA, Joe Biden, stated on Wednesday that he would not support an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in response to rocket fire from Iran. He called on the Israeli authorities to take "proportional" actions against their regional adversary.
Joe Biden, when asked by reporters before departing for areas affected by Hurricane Helene whether he would support an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, succinctly stated, "The answer is no."
The American leader announced additional sanctions on Iran and said he would soon speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Obviously, Iran is way off course," added Joe Biden.
Iran's attack on Israel
On Tuesday evening, Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli army stated that it shot down "a large portion" of the 180 rockets flying towards Israel. No casualties were reported. Iran declared that the raid was retaliation for the killing by Israel of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian General Abbas Nilforushan.
Western countries condemned the attack. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken deemed it "absolutely unacceptable." Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that she warned Iran that this is a dangerous escalation of the situation. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict; the attack was also condemned by the United Kingdom and the UN.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening.
In defence of Israel, US forces were actively involved. The decision was made by Joe Biden, who ordered the units in the area to intercept the missiles heading towards Israel.
The Pentagon reported that the defence involved two destroyers, USS Cole and USS Bulkeley. British forces also participated in the action. "British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East," confirmed UK Defence Minister John Healey. However, the head of the department did not specify what forces these were.
