Israel U.S. Iran strike assurance/ Israel military Iran/ Biden Israel security/ Iran nuclear sites tension/ THAAD deployment Israel/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. officials report that Israel has assured the Biden administration it will refrain from attacking Iranian nuclear or oil sites despite heightened regional tensions. With U.S. air defense support, including the THAAD deployment, Israel’s concerns are partially alleviated as both countries navigate a volatile Middle Eastern conflict landscape.
Israel Reassures U.S. on Iran Strikes Quick Look
- Assurances: Israel commits to avoiding Iranian nuclear or oil sites.
- U.S. Support: THAAD missile defense and 100 U.S. troops deployed to Israel.
- Diplomatic Concerns: U.S. urges Israel to focus on non-escalatory strategies.
- Regional Tensions: Ongoing hostilities with Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Hamas.
- Energy Implications: Potential Iranian oil strikes could impact global markets.
Israel Assures U.S. Against Striking Iran’s Nuclear or Oil Sites
Deep Look
The Biden administration has received assurances from Israel that it will refrain from targeting Iranian nuclear and oil facilities, following recent Iranian missile attacks that exacerbated tensions in the region. This pledge, while significant, remains tentative, as U.S. officials caution that circumstances could shift depending on the evolving regional dynamics. The two U.S. officials familiar with the discussions disclosed these details on Tuesday, following private diplomatic exchanges between the Biden administration and Israel.
The United States has taken steps to support Israel’s defense, deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and approximately 100 personnel to Israel. The Pentagon authorized the deployment in response to a series of Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel in April and most recently on October 1. This measure, authorized by President Joe Biden, aims to strengthen Israel’s air defense systems amid escalating security concerns.
Although U.S. officials are optimistic about Israel’s commitment, they acknowledge that Israel has at times acted independently of such assurances. Last month, for instance, Israeli officials had indicated support for a temporary ceasefire initiative in Lebanon, only for Israel to carry out a significant airstrike days later that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later remarked that Israel respects U.S. opinions but will ultimately make decisions based on its own national security priorities.
Middle Eastern nations have been on high alert following Iran’s October 1 missile strikes, which the United States helped Israel repel. The ongoing exchanges between Israel and Iranian-backed forces in Gaza and Lebanon have heightened fears that a conflict targeting critical sites in Iran could spiral into a broader regional war. The Biden administration is concerned that any potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure or oil fields could severely impact global oil prices and disrupt markets just as the U.S. heads into an election year.
The Biden administration has urged Israel to avoid attacks that could destabilize the region’s energy supplies, stressing the risks associated with targeting Iran’s oil sector. Biden spoke with Netanyahu last week, the first direct communication between the two leaders in nearly two months. The Pentagon has also facilitated regular conversations between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, underscoring the ongoing U.S. commitment to Israel’s security. In a recent call, Austin urged Israeli officials to consider diplomatic options and protect U.N. peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon. He further emphasized the need to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, suggesting a shift from military actions to constructive diplomatic measures.
The White House National Security Council (NSC) declined to confirm whether Netanyahu offered direct assurances to Biden regarding potential targets in Iran, deferring to Israel’s government on its military decisions. In a statement, the NSC reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s security, emphasizing that private diplomatic conversations remain confidential.
As the Biden administration continues to seek stability in the Middle East, it faces the challenge of balancing support for Israel with concerns over potential escalation that could have far-reaching consequences across the region and beyond.
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