**Biden Refuses to Support Israeli Strike on Iranian Nuclear Sites**

In a move signaling a push for de-escalation in the Middle East, President Joe Biden announced he would not support an Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. His comments came in the wake of a missile attack on Israel by Iran, and conveyed a clear message aimed at avoiding further regional conflict.

Speaking to reporters, President Biden emphasized that while the leaders of the Group of 7 (G7) nations—France, Canada, Japan, Britain, Italy, and Germany—agree that Israel has the right to defend itself, their response should be measured. "We all agreed that Israel has a right to respond, but they should do so in proportion," Biden stated as he boarded Air Force One en route to survey damage from Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas.

The discussion among the G7 leaders culminated in a consensus to impose new sanctions on Iran, a direct response to the missile attack. However, when pressed on whether the United States would endorse an Israeli attack on Iran's deeply buried nuclear sites, Biden's response was unequivocal: "The answer is no."

Military analysts argue that a significant assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities would be challenging without U.S. assistance, given the fortified nature of the sites. President Biden's stance, therefore, presents a substantial obstacle to any such plans by Israel.

Biden's diplomatic approach is consistent with his longstanding advisories to Israeli leadership. Over nearly a year, he has urged Israel not to let anger drive decisions that could jeopardize long-term regional stability and the security of its population.

This latest position reaffirms Biden's commitment to seeking proportional and restrained responses in international conflicts, reflecting a broader strategy of avoiding escalation that could lead to a more extensive war in the Middle East.