### Biden Opposes Israeli Retaliation on Iranian Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions

US President Joe Biden has publicly stated his opposition to any potential Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities following Iran’s launch of approximately 180 missiles targeting Israel. Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly since Iran's missile attack on Tuesday, which Israel reported was largely neutralized by its missile defense systems.

Iran has claimed that the missile barrage was in retaliation for the deaths of prominent figures: Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan. The Iranian assault also followed Israel's launch of a ground operation into Lebanon, aimed at dismantling what it described as Hezbollah’s “terrorist infrastructure” in border regions, believed to be supported by Iran.

Speaking during an inspection trip to North Carolina to survey hurricane damage, President Biden addressed the missile attack and potential Israeli countermeasures. When a reporter asked if he would support an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites, Biden responded, “The answer is no.” He added that discussions between US and Israeli officials were ongoing about potential responses to Iran.

The US State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized at a briefing that Iran’s latest actions represented an unprecedented escalation, and noted that Israel has the right to respond. However, both the White House and the State Department have not publicly detailed what they believe an appropriate Israeli response would be.

In a televised message on Tuesday, Biden stated that US military forces in the region, acting under his orders, had assisted in intercepting the missiles launched by Iran. He termed the Iranian attack "defeated and ineffective," hailing it as evidence of successful joint planning between the United States and Israel to counter such threats.

Biden reaffirmed America’s complete support for Israel, yet also highlighted the need for proportional responses to the Iranian aggression, reflecting consultations with other G7 leaders who share this stance. Amid these international tensions, the US continues to advocate for de-escalation and warfare cessation, particularly concerning ongoing conflicts involving Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

While Biden was addressing this significant international incident, he was also focused on domestic issues, overseeing recovery efforts in storm-stricken North Carolina where extensive damage had left tens of thousands without access to running water.