The Biden administration has proposed a new set of economic sanctions on Iran as an alternative to military action, urging Israel to refrain from launching attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
This move comes amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, with concerns over potential disruptions to global energy markets if Israel were to target Iran's fuel infrastructure.
President Joe Biden has reportedly warned Israel against such military action, as US officials fear the impact on global energy supplies and the potential consequences for the upcoming US presidential election in November.
At the same time, the US has limited assurances to prevent further escalation in the region, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Following last week's Iranian missile strikes on Israel, the Biden administration has been pressing Israel to limit its military response to specific targets, such as military bases and missile sites, rather than broader economic or oil-related facilities.
Instead of resorting to military strikes, the US is proposing new economic sanctions on Iran as a way to de-escalate tensions.
This approach, according to sources familiar with the discussions, aims to offer Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an alternative to satisfy the more hardline elements within his government, who are calling for a stronger response to Iran.
On Wednesday, President Biden discussed the situation in a phone call with Netanyahu, focusing on the developments in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as Israel's response to Iran's recent missile strikes.
The White House statement reiterated Biden’s unwavering support for Israel's security, condemning the ballistic missile attack carried out by Iran on October 1st.