Biden resists Israeli strike on Iran, urges restraint
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 urged the Israeli authorities to take "proportional" actions against their regional adversary.
3 October 2024 08:14
When asked by reporters before departing for areas affected by Hurricane Helene whether he would support an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, Joe Biden succinctly stated: "The answer is: No."
The American leader announced the imposition of additional sanctions on Iran and said he would soon speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Of course, Iran has gone 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 reported that it shot down "a large portion" of the 180 rockets flying towards Israel. No casualties were recorded. 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 this is a dangerous escalation of the situation. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier expressed concern over the escalation of the conflict; the United Kingdom and the UN also condemned the attack.
"Iran made a big mistake today; its rocket attack on Israel failed, but Tehran 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, ordering the units in the area to intercept the missiles heading towards Israel.
The Pentagon reported that the defence involved, among others, two destroyers: USS Cole and USS Bulkeley. British forces also participated in the action.
