**US Holds Delicate Balance as Israel Weighs Retaliatory Strike on Iran**

Israel has not confirmed to the Biden administration that it would abstain from targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in response to recent ballistic missile strikes from Iran, according to a senior US State Department official speaking to CNN on Friday. This leaves open the possibility of a significant escalation in a region already fraught with tension.

The official described the situation as highly unpredictable, particularly with the anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attacks drawing near. There are no guarantees that Israel will avoid military action on or around this sensitive date. "We hope and expect to see some wisdom as well as strength," the official remarked, highlighting the uncertainty of Israel's plans. Another official emphasized the nebulous timeline, noting that Israel would not make an immediate decision regarding its response.

This precarious situation has led US officials to vocalize their support for Israel's right to respond to the missile attacks. However, they also warned about the potential for a larger regional conflict. President Joe Biden has explicitly stated that the US would not endorse any Israeli action targeting Iran's nuclear program. "If I were in their shoes, I'd be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields," Biden suggested during a press briefing.

The US administration has been actively engaged in efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict over the past year. Despite these efforts, the situation remains "on the edge," as described by the senior State Department official. President Biden mentioned that US and Israeli officials are maintaining close communication, talking for about 12 hours a day. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell confirmed that both nations are taking significant steps to keep open lines of communication and ensure mutual understanding.

Campbell also revealed that there have been unexpected developments over the past months, underscoring the complex and volatile nature of the situation. Referring to the Iranian missile attack on Israel, Campbell pointed out that the US is also deliberating on its response options. He urged caution, stating, "Our dominant message is, 'let's take great care in whatever we do with respect to Iran.'"

As the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks approaches, the strategic decisions made by Israel and the US will be pivotal in determining the course of Middle Eastern geopolitics in the near future.