U.S. President Joe Biden opposed on Wednesday any strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to Tehran’s missile attack on Israel, according to Al Jazeera.
Reporters asked Biden if he would support such a move, and Biden simply replied, “No.”
Biden’s comments followed Iran’s launch of around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, its second attack on the country since April.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran would “pay” for the attack, though it reportedly caused no major casualties in Israel but killed one Palestinian in the West Bank.
Some analysts suggested Israel might consider targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, a long-term goal of Israeli leadership.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett explicitly called for such an attack in a post on X, saying “We must take out Iran’s nuclear program Now.”
“Sometimes, history knocks on your door and you’ve got to seize the moment. If we don’t do it now, I don’t see it ever happening”
WE MUST TAKE OUT IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM NOW. pic.twitter.com/3PE1Pyswoi
— Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) October 2, 2024
However, Biden urged a “proportional” response and asserted that the U.S. “stands fully behind Israel.” U.S. officials have also warned Iran of “severe consequences” but have not ruled anything out. Biden, along with G7 leaders, has also discussed coordinating new sanctions against Iran.
Iran claimed that its missile attack was in retaliation for the killing of key allied figures, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. While Iran’s President stated the attack was justified, he said “Iran does not seek war.” Iran’s military has warned Israel of massive destruction if it retaliates, raising fears of a wider conflict in the region.