Israel’s targeted, retaliatory attack on Iran is expected to be the last of the back-and-forth, direct military action between the two countries, a senior official in President Joe Biden’s administration said tonight.
“This should be the end of the direct military exchange between Israel and Iran,” the official said. “As far as we’re concerned that should close out the direct exchange between Israel and Iran.”
The official said this is the “very strong view” of the U.S. and“it’s been communicated to our partners throughout the region.”
The official said Biden and his security team “worked with the Israelis over recent weeks to encourage Israel to conduct a response that was targeted and proportional with low risk of civilian harm and that is precisely what transpired this evening.”
In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Biden said any attack should be designed to deter further attacks against Israel and reduce the risk of further escalation, the official said.
“We do not want to see that happen,” the official said, referring to any possibility Iran might respond.
The source emphasized that the United States had no direct role in Israel’s strikes, which came “in multiple waves.” But if Iran does target Israel directly, the United States has vowed to back its ally.
“Should Iran chose to respond we are fully prepared to once again defend against any attack,” the official said.
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