A senior White House official said Saturday that the Biden administration had closely coordinated with Israeli leaders in recent weeks to encourage a precise, proportionate strike on Iran, minimizing risks to civilians, in response to Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel earlier this month. The Israeli airstrikes were described as “extensive, targeted and precise," the official said.
Israel’s three-hour operation reportedly hit Iranian military sites outside populated areas, focusing on “missile manufacturing facilities, surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities,” according to the IDF.
The White House official, speaking after the operation had ended, said U.S. President Joe Biden had discussed the situation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, urging an approach that would deter further Iranian aggression while reducing the risk of broader escalation, a shared goal for both nations.
Israeli strike on Iran on Saturday
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with IDF high command during Israeli strike on Iran
(Photo: GPO)
The official highlighted the recent U.S. deployment of the THAAD missile defense system to Israel, underscoring Biden’s and Vice President Kamala Harris’ commitment to defending Israel against Iranian threats and its terrorist proxies.
“We will be ready and there will be consequences on Iran,” the official said but added that the administration hopes to avoid further escalation. “This should be the end of direct exchange of fire between the two countries."
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