In a clear indication of his reservations, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he would not support Israel conducting strikes on Iran’s oil production facilities. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Biden emphasized that if he were in Israel’s position, he would consider alternatives to attacking oil fields.
“The Israelis have not yet decided how they will respond to the situation. If I were in their shoes, I’d be exploring other options,” Biden remarked during his first appearance at a White House press briefing of his presidency.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Israel regarding potential retaliation for Iran’s missile attacks on Tuesday. Biden noted that his administration has been in constant communication with Israeli officials, interacting “12 hours a day” to coordinate military and diplomatic responses.
“They’re not going to make a decision immediately,” he said, referencing the Jewish High Holidays currently being observed. “We will wait to see when they want to engage in further discussions.”
Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, joined Biden at the briefing and highlighted that the U.S. is closely monitoring global oil markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. “We have effective strategies to address geopolitical volatility,” Brainard stated, adding that current market supplies are robust and are expected to remain stable.