The White House has informed Israel that the US will refrain from participating in any retaliatory strikes on Iran, according to senior administration officials. In response to an attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1st, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight. However, Israeli, US, and allied forces successfully intercepted almost all of the weapons before they could reach their targets.
Joe Biden reportedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to carefully consider their response. A senior administration official emphasized that Israel should think strategically about its reaction to this unprecedented attack, marking Iran’s first direct assault on the country. The official also noted that the Biden administration believes Israel emerged favorably from the exchange, which was triggered by the killing of senior Iranian military commanders at an Iranian consular building in Syria.
US officials highlight that approximately 99% of the missiles, drones, and cruise missiles launched during Iran’s retaliatory operation were successfully shot down or intercepted, indicating Israeli military superiority over Iran. During the attack, US aircraft and naval vessels intercepted numerous Iranian projectiles.
Over 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles were downed by US aircraft and vessels or by air defense forces over Iraq. Additionally, US Central Command (Centcom) reported intercepting seven drones and a ballistic missile as they were preparing to launch from Yemen in an update on Sunday.
Following the attack, President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu engaged in a conversation during a period of heightened tension, particularly as about 100 ballistic missiles were simultaneously heading towards Israel. During their call, the two leaders discussed “slowing things down and carefully considering the situation,” with President Biden stressing that Israel has “come out ahead.”
The official declined to specify whether the White House advised against a significant retaliation, noting that “it’s a decision for Israel to make.” In multiple TV appearances earlier in the day, national security spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that the US has conveyed its desire to prevent a broader conflict to Israel.
The senior administration official stated that the same message has been conveyed to Iran through diplomatic channels. Both Kirby and the official affirmed that while the US will continue to support Israel defensively, it will not participate in any Israeli response. This stance has drawn criticism from lawmakers and former officials across the political spectrum.
Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House intelligence committee, disagreed with Kirby’s remarks on de-escalating the conflict, stating that they were “incorrect.”