U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Israel should consider alternatives to targeting Iranian oil facilities. He added that Israel has not yet decided how to respond to an Iranian strike. Biden emphasized during his statement, which was reported by Cairo News Channel, that Israel should exercise caution in its attacks, particularly those affecting civilians. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with allies about evacuating nationals from Lebanon.
Recent tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, primarily due to mutual military engagements and the broader geopolitical rivalry in the region. In October 2024, Iran launched a significant ballistic missile attack against Israel, which marked a stark escalation in the ongoing conflict. This attack was reportedly in response to an Israeli military operation in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, which itself followed Israeli strikes against Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Notably, the strikes included the killing of a prominent Hezbollah leader in Beirut, further inflaming tensions.
Additionally, the Iranian attacks, though largely unsuccessful due to robust Israeli air defenses, underscore the continuous threat and complexity of the military engagements between the two nations. Israel’s reliance on sophisticated defense systems like the Iron Dome and support from the US has been crucial in intercepting these threats.
