US Won't Join Israeli Retaliation Against Iran, Biden Tells Netanyahu: Reports

Amid tensions between Israel and Iran, US President Joe Biden has ruled out US involvement in any Israeli retaliation against Iran's recent drone and missile attack, a White House official said.

File Photo of US President Joe Biden (L) and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R) in Tel Aviv.

Source : Getty Images

United States President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not participate in any retaliatory action against Iran should Israel decide to respond to a recent mass drone and missile attack on its territory, reports citing a senior official White House. The looming threat of a potential conflict between these longstanding adversaries, Israel and Iran, has sent shockwaves throughout the region, prompting calls for restraint from global powers and Arab nations to prevent further escalation.

According to reports from U.S. media outlets, Biden conveyed this message to Netanyahu in an overnight phone call, as confirmed by a White House official to news agency Reuters as well as CNN.

John Kirby, the White House's top national security spokesperson, reiterated the U.S. position on ABC's "This Week" program, stating, "The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war."

The recent escalation stems from Iran's unprecedented attack in retaliation to an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria on April 1, resulting in the deaths of top Revolutionary Guards commanders. This incident followed months of clashes between Israel and Iran's regional allies, triggered by the conflict in Gaza.

The attack, which involved over 300 missiles and drones, predominantly launched from inside Iran, inflicted only modest damage in Israel, thanks to the interception efforts supported by the U.S., Britain, and Jordan, Reuters reported. Notably, an Air Force base in southern Israel sustained damage, but operations continued unaffected, while a 7-year-old child suffered serious injuries from shrapnel.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant highlighted the opportunity for Israel to forge a strategic alliance against the perceived threat posed by Iran's alleged pursuit of nuclear capabilities. "Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons," he added, as quoted by Reuters.

Israel Vows To 'Exact A Price'. Iranian Army Chief Warns 'Tougher Punishment', Including Attack On US Bases

Israeli War Cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, has vowed that Israel will retaliate against Iran following the recent drone and missile attack. Gantz asserted on Sunday that Israel "will exact a price from Iran in a way and time that suits us." His statement comes in the wake of the Iranian assault, which targeted Israel but resulted in minimal damage, showcasing what Gantz described as the strength of the Israeli security system, CNN reported.

Gantz highlighted that the attack demonstrated "the world clearly stood together with Israel in the face of the danger." Despite this show of solidarity, he emphasised that the situation is ongoing, indicating the necessity to "build a regional coalition and extract a price from Iran, in a way and at a time that suits us."

Moreover, Gantz underscored Israel's ongoing concerns, including the imperative to bring home hostages and secure borders, particularly in the southern and northern regions. He expressed the need for residents who evacuated their homes near these borders to be able to return safely, CNN reported.

Iran, however, issued stern warnings in response. Iranian Army Chief of staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri cautioned that any Israeli retaliation would be met with a larger response, potentially extending to U.S. bases if Washington aids Israel.

Iranian Army's Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said, "If the illegitimate regime insists on aggressive actions, it will face a heavier and tougher punishment. We also warn the US leaders that if they support the Zionist regime, all the US bases and interests in the region will be attacked by the Islamic Republic of Iran", as quoted by IRNA news agency.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian clarified that Tehran had informed the United States of its planned "limited" attack on Israel for self-defense purposes, with neighboring countries also receiving advance notice.

While global powers and regional players have urged restraint, the UN Security Council is scheduled to convene to address the escalating tensions.

This latest development follows Iran's seizure of an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy shipping route, and ongoing conflicts across multiple fronts involving Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.