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President Joe Biden and his national security team are seeking to limit the risk of a broader regional war following a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Israel, and the US It informed the other country that it would not participate in any offensive actions. According to U.S. officials familiar with the matter.
In a conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late Saturday, Biden sought to frame Israel’s success in intercepting the Iranian onslaught as a major victory and suggested that any further Israeli response was unnecessary.
Biden told the Israeli prime minister in a phone conversation that Saturday should be considered a victory because the Iranian attack was largely a failure and demonstrated Israel’s superior military capabilities, according to a senior administration official. According to a senior U.S. military official, the United States assessed that there was “no significant damage within Israel.”
White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Sunday that the ability to prevent widespread damage is a demonstration of Israel’s “military superiority” and that Iran is not “the military power they claim to be.” He said that this is proof of.
“This was an incredible success that demonstrated Israel’s military superiority and, just as importantly, that Israel has friends in the region and friends around the world who are willing to help. ” Kirby told CNN’s Jake Tapper. Union status. ”
Another US official said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Israeli Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant to notify the US in advance of a possible response to an attack on Iran.
Biden has sought to prevent the conflict from escalating, even as U.S. officials have stressed that the final decision on how to deal with Iran rests with Israel.
On Sunday, Biden met with leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) countries to discuss a “united diplomatic response” focused on non-military action that would limit the possibility of a broader war.
In a joint statement issued after the virtual meeting, G7 member states condemned Iran’s “direct and unprecedented attack” on Israel “in the strongest terms” and expressed “full solidarity and solidarity with Israel and its people.” We expressed our support and reaffirmed our commitment to its security.” ”
“With its actions, Iran is taking a further step towards regional destabilization and risks triggering uncontrolled regional escalation. This must be avoided,” the G7 statement said.
A senior administration official later said the summit and discussions on Iran were “constructive” and emphasized continued support for Israel.
“We are fully committed to defending Israel. We will not be involved in any of their responses. It is a very consistent policy,” the official said.
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office
The distributed photo, released early Sunday local time, shows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking by phone with US President Joe Biden. Parts of this photo have been blurred by the source.
Whether Prime Minister Netanyahu will take Biden’s advice remains an open question. Iran’s retaliation comes amid deep tensions between the two militaries over the war in Gaza. The conflict revealed the limits of American influence over Israeli decision-making.
A senior Biden administration official told the United States on Sunday that Israel “does not want any significant escalation with Iran.”
“The president has been very clear that we intend to help defend Israel. Last night, the president made it clear to the prime minister that we need to think carefully and strategically about the risk of escalation.” said a senior government official.
Iran’s decision to fire weapons at Israel from its territory significantly worsens long-simmering hostilities between the two countries. There will probably be political pressure from within Israel to take some action.
Mr Kirby said the attack – the first carried out against Israel from mainland Iran – did not necessarily constitute the start of a broader regional war.
“We don’t believe that is the case, and we don’t believe that it should be,” he told Tapper, adding that both the United States and Israel have no idea what Iran is planning ahead of time. He pointed out that he understood.
Gallant warned Sunday that the conflict with Iran is “not over yet.” The country’s response options are expected to be discussed in detail at Israel’s wartime cabinet.
Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said a “new equation” had been created and warned that Iran would respond directly if Israel retaliated.
Biden huddled with his national security team on Saturday for “real-time updates” on Iran’s attack on Israel, which at times led to “tense moments” in the White House Situation Room.
One such tense moment occurred when more than 100 ballistic missiles took to the skies and the flight time to Israel was short.
“Of course, the outcome of the defense was unknown until it was all over. It was a bit of a relief to see the outcome of the defense and see that the preparation and planning were successful,” the official said.
U.S. officials have emphasized that preparations are underway for an expected attack on Iran since an apparent Israeli attack on Iranian diplomatic facilities in Syria earlier this month.
Preparations for Saturday’s attack began “almost two weeks ago” and included adjustments to force posture and continued consultation with Israel and other partners in the region, the official said.
Biden contacted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the White House determined Saturday’s attack was largely defeated.
Biden continues to provide regular updates, officials said. On Sunday morning, the president reconvened his advisers in the Situation Room, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Vice President of National Security Adviser John Finer, and Middle East Coordinator Brett McGuirk.
This article and headline have been updated with additional reporting.
CNN’s Sharon Braithwaite, Ladina Zigova, Katherine Nichols and Tamar Michaelis contributed to this report.
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