“… But there is a lot to do yet.” – Biden confident the Israel-Iran conflict can be avoided.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated he did not anticipate an “all-out war” in the Middle East, despite Israel weighing retaliation following Tehran’s largest-ever assault. Biden emphasized that more must be done to prevent war, as Israeli forces launched airstrikes in Beirut against Hezbollah. Asked by reporters about the likelihood of war, Biden responded, “I don’t believe there is going to be an all-out war… But there is a lot to do yet.”
Biden confirmed that the U.S. is discussing response options with Israel, including potential strikes on Iranian oil facilities, though he stressed that “nothing is going to happen today.” He refrained from commenting on whether he urged Israel not to target Iran’s oil infrastructure but insisted on his opposition to any strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Tensions escalated as Israel bombarded Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon, targeting senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine. Israel reported that Hezbollah fired 230 rockets from Lebanon on Thursday, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for strikes on Israeli military bases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran would “pay” for its missile attack, with Washington warning Tehran of “severe consequences.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that any attack on Iran would be met with a “decisive response.” Israel has been engaged in conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, with increasing risk of U.S. involvement.
The Group of Seven condemned Iran’s missile strike but urged restraint and a ceasefire. Qatar’s Emir also called for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul urged Biden to expedite arms shipments to Israel, noting the need for large bombs to counter Hezbollah’s bunker defenses.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported 27 deaths and 151 injuries over the last day due to Israeli strikes. Hezbollah claimed it killed 17 Israeli soldiers during clashes, though Israeli forces have not commented.
