We won’t join in any attack on Iran — White House warns Israel

Senior administration officials from the White House have issued a stern warning to Israel, asserting that the United States will not participate in any retaliatory strikes on Iran following a barrage of over 300 drones and missiles aimed at Israel overnight.

The attack, purportedly in response to an April 1 strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria, marked the first direct assault by Iran on Israel.

Despite the large-scale attack, Israeli, US, and allied forces managed to intercept almost all weapons before reaching their targets.

In response, President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to exercise caution and strategic deliberation in crafting a response to the unprecedented action.

According to a senior administration official, President Biden emphasized the need for Israel to carefully consider its course of action in the aftermath of the attack.

The official noted that the Biden administration views Israel as having “gotten the best of it” in the exchange, highlighting Israel’s military superiority over Iran.

US involvement in thwarting the attack was significant, with US aircraft and naval vessels intercepting dozens of Iranian projectiles. US Central Command reported the downing of more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles, including those intercepted over Iraq and Yemen.

Following a discussion between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu during the heightened tensions, efforts were made to “slow things down and think through things,” with Biden underscoring Israel’s advantage in the situation.

While the White House refrained from explicitly advising against a significant response from Israel, it made clear its intention to avoid further escalation. National security spokesman John Kirby reiterated the US commitment to defend Israel but ruled out direct US participation in any Israeli retaliation.

However, this stance has sparked criticism from some US lawmakers and former officials across the political spectrum. Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner criticized the administration’s approach, arguing that the conflict is already escalating and demanding a response.

Similarly, former National Security Adviser John Bolton advocated for US support if Israel chose to launch a retaliatory attack on Iran’s nuclear program.

In the aftermath of the attack, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson announced plans to revisit efforts to pass military aid for Israel, emphasizing the importance of bolstering US support in light of the escalating tensions.

Former Deputy Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Mick Mulroy echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical role of US security assistance in safeguarding regional stability.