Israel rules out strikes on Iran's nuclear sites - FT

The agency notes that the US and Western allies are trying to limit Israel’s response to Iran’s attack, hoping to prevent a regional conflict from spiraling out of control.

Washington has made it clear that it supports Israel’s right to respond. However, US officials acknowledge that their influence over Israel may be limited.

The Financial Times emphasizes that Israel is weighing several options for responding to Iran, including strikes on missile installations or oil infrastructure. Some Israeli officials have called for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, although a person familiar with the matter said that this option is not being considered. US President Joe Biden has also stated that he would oppose such a response.

The US and other Western allies are urging Israel to focus on military targets.

Western officials note that Israel has become increasingly confident and bold following the elimination of Hezbollah's leadership. According to officials, the Israeli government may be prepared to bear military and political losses if it means achieving a strategic victory over Iran.

What led to this

It is worth recalling that on October 1, Iran launched a missile strike on Israel. Tehran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles. The attack was repelled by Israeli forces along with American destroyers.

Iran claimed that the attack was in response to the deaths of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. In turn, Israel promised a response. Media outlets reported that Israeli authorities were allegedly considering strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. US President Joe Biden stated that the US does not support such an option.

Analysts noted that Iran's attack was a failure, and the destruction of the missiles demonstrated their ineffectiveness and low power.