Joe Biden has firmly stated his opposition to potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in response to Tehran's recent missile attack. The US President emphasized the need for a "proportionate" response from Israel, highlighting the delicate balance in the region's escalating tensions.
The G7 nations are preparing a new round of sanctions against Iran, demonstrating a coordinated international approach to address the situation. This move comes as Israel contemplates direct military action against Iran, potentially within days.
In Israel, pressure is mounting for a decisive strike against Iran's nuclear program. Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister and challenger to Benjamin Netanyahu, has called for the destruction of Iran's nuclear project and major energy facilities. However, analysts suggest that oil refineries, ports, and weapons stores may be more likely targets than nuclear facilities.
Netanyahu has vowed retaliation against Tehran but emphasized the need for coordination with the United States. The US, along with Britain and other allies, played a crucial role in tracking and intercepting Iran's missiles during the recent attack, similar to their support in April when Iran first directly attacked Israel.
The ongoing conflicts in Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank continue to complicate the situation. Hezbollah, founded in 1985, launched over 240 rockets at northern Israel, while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported casualties in Lebanon. These clashes underscore the multifaceted nature of the regional tensions.
Iran's missile attack on Israel included the use of new, faster ballistic missiles, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Israel's air defense systems. The IDF reported damage to several air force bases but maintained that operations were not disrupted.
"Flee Lebanon immediately."
Reports suggest that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, personally ordered the missile barrage against Israel. This decision came amid concerns about Israeli infiltration of senior government ranks in Tehran.
The Biden administration is now focused on aligning perspectives with Israel regarding potential responses to Iran's attack. Kurt Campbell, the US Deputy Secretary of State, described the current situation in the Middle East as "a moment of peril" and emphasized the need for careful consideration of any actions.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, aware that the region is, as Campbell put it, "on a knife's edge." The complex interplay of historical conflicts, nuclear ambitions, and geopolitical interests continues to shape the volatile landscape of the Middle East.