Escalating tensions in the Middle East have raised concerns of potential conflict as Israel contemplates a response to a recent missile attack by Iran. Following the launch of around 180 Iranian missiles earlier this week, targeting both civilian and military sites across Israel, the Israeli government has yet to confirm its course of action. While many of the missiles were intercepted, others caused significant damage, spurring calls for retaliation from Israeli officials.
A senior U.S. State Department official has revealed that Israel has not yet provided assurances to Washington that it will refrain from targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities in its response. The comments come as both nations continue intensive discussions on the matter, although clarity on Israel’s immediate intentions remains uncertain. President Joe Biden has urged Israel to explore alternatives, including avoiding strikes on Iranian oil fields, amid fears of further destabilizing the region.
“We’re speaking with our Israeli counterparts 12 hours a day, but there’s no clear indication of when or how they will respond,” said the U.S. official, noting that Israeli retaliation on the anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attacks may be avoided to preserve the day’s symbolic significance.
The situation remains fluid, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing a decisive response to Iran’s actions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of severe retaliatory strikes on Israel’s energy infrastructure if Tel Aviv targets Iran. IRGC Deputy Commander Ali Fadavi declared that Iran could destroy Israel’s power plants and refineries in a coordinated attack if provoked.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but the window for peaceful resolution appears to be narrowing, as both sides prepare for the possibility of wider conflict. President Biden reiterated his administration’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense but cautioned against escalating the situation further, stating, “If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields.” Despite Biden’s efforts to rally global diplomatic support and prevent an all-out war, tensions continue to mount. Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, currently in Beirut, has issued a stark warning of “tougher retaliation” if Israel proceeds with any military action against Tehran.
