The White House has issued a stern warning to Israel, indicating that the United States will refrain from participating in any retaliatory strikes against Iran, senior administration officials revealed.
The caution comes in the aftermath of a barrage of over 300 drones and missiles fired at Israel overnight, purportedly in response to an attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria on April 1st.
The majority of the weapons launched by Iran were successfully intercepted by Israeli, US, and allied forces before reaching their intended targets.
President Joe Biden reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise caution and strategic deliberation in formulating a response to the unprecedented assault, marking the first direct attack by Iran on Israel.
During a conversation between Biden and Netanyahu, conducted amidst heightened tensions following the attack, the US president emphasised the need for Israel to carefully consider its next steps.
A senior administration official remarked that Biden stressed Israel’s favourable outcome in the exchange, underscored by the significant number of Iranian projectiles neutralised during the operation.
US military assets, including aircraft and naval vessels, played a pivotal role in thwarting the Iranian attack, downing dozens of drones and ballistic missiles.
Notably, US Central Command (Centcom) reported the interception of seven drones and a ballistic missile in Yemen as they prepared for launch.
While the US remains committed to defending Israel, officials have made it clear that American involvement in any retaliatory action is off the table. This stance, aimed at preventing a wider conflict, has drawn criticism from US lawmakers and former officials across the political spectrum.
Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner denounced the administration’s approach, asserting that the conflict is already escalating and demanding a more robust response.
Similarly, former National Security Adviser John Bolton advocated for US involvement in any potential Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear programme.
In response to Iran’s attack, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson pledged renewed efforts to pass military aid for Israel.
Previous attempts to increase aid to Israel have faced obstacles, with Democratic lawmakers advocating for additional assistance for Taiwan and Ukraine.
Former Deputy Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, Mick Mulroy, stressed the importance of swiftly passing aid for Israel, highlighting its critical role in bolstering regional stability and US national security interests.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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