President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the US will not take part in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight, a White House official said.
The prospect of full-scale conflict between longstanding adversaries in the Middle East, potentially involving the United States, has heightened tensions in the region. This has prompted calls for restraint from both global powers and Arab nations, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further escalation. Earlier reports from US media revealed that President Biden conveyed to Prime Minister Netanyahu, in an overnight phone call, that the US would not partake in any retaliatory measures. A White House official subsequently confirmed these statements to Reuters.
The US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war, John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s “This Week” program on Sunday.
However, the attack from more than 300 missiles and drones, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan.
Moving forward, the refusal of the United States to participate in Israeli retaliation against Iran underscores the need for multilateral diplomacy and dialogue to address regional tensions and security concerns. As the situation in the Middle East remains fluid and unpredictable, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to prevent further escalation and promote stability. Moreover, all stakeholders, including the US, Israel, Iran, and other regional actors, must prioritize dialogue and cooperation to address underlying grievances and build trust. Transitioning from a stance of confrontation to one of constructive engagement holds the key to resolving conflicts and fostering a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.
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