Biden Urges Israel to Seek Alternatives to Striking Iran’s Oil Fields Amid Rising Tensions
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Joe Biden has advised Israel to consider alternative actions instead of targeting Iranian oil fields in response to Tehran's recent ballistic missile strike. During a rare appearance at the White House press briefing, Biden commented on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, cautioning against a direct attack on oil infrastructure.
“If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields,” Biden remarked, highlighting concerns over global energy supplies. His comments came just days after suggesting that Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were also not a favored option. The president’s earlier statement on the potential oil site strike had already caused oil prices to surge, reflecting fears of a significant disruption to the global market.
The missile strike, which Iran launched earlier this week, was Tehran’s response to the deaths of high-profile figures, including Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah and an IRGC general, both reportedly killed by Israeli forces. Additionally, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s death in a Tehran explosion in July further fueled Iran’s retaliation. While the missile barrage sent millions of Israelis into bomb shelters, the damage to Israel’s air bases was minimal, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, the incident marked one of the few direct Iranian assaults on Israel, following an earlier attack in April.
Biden addressed the ongoing geopolitical tension between Israel and Iran, stressing that Israel has every right to defend itself against attacks from Iran, Hezbollah, and other adversaries. However, he emphasized the need for Israel to avoid excessive civilian casualties, a topic that has been a recurring point of debate in recent months.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to announce the nation's definitive response to the missile strikes, and Biden mentioned that he had not spoken directly with Netanyahu in several weeks. This absence of communication has sparked questions about the U.S. administration’s influence on Israel’s decisions during this critical time. Biden, however, dismissed the notion that his administration lacks sway, noting that his team remains in close contact with Israeli officials, especially as the High Holidays are underway.
The president also responded to suggestions that Netanyahu may be rejecting diplomatic efforts in Gaza and Lebanon to influence the upcoming U.S. presidential election. “No administration has helped Israel more than I have,” Biden asserted. He added that he was unsure if Netanyahu’s decisions had any political motivations, stating, “I don’t know, but I’m not counting on that.”
Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to self-defense but urged caution in military responses. He hinted that diplomatic solutions were still being explored, citing his proposal for a Gaza hostage deal from earlier in the year, which has stalled due to Hamas’s lack of engagement. Despite these challenges, Biden continues to advocate for a balanced approach to conflict resolution, engaging U.S. allies and global institutions like the United Nations Security Council.
As speculation grows about potential U.S. sanctions against Iran, Biden confirmed that discussions on the matter are ongoing. He also stressed the importance of rallying international support to de-escalate the situation. However, he acknowledged the difficulty in dealing with Iran-backed proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis, who have further complicated the region's already fragile dynamics.
The Middle East remains on edge as Israel deliberates its next move. The international community is watching closely to see how these tensions unfold, especially as global energy markets brace for potential disruption.
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