In a recent development, CNN has reported that President Joe Biden has informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will not participate in any offensive operations against Iran. This news comes as a significant shift in the US-Israel relationship, as previous administrations have been known to support Israel in its efforts against Iran.
According to sources familiar with the matter, President Biden made the remarks during a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier this month. The conversation reportedly focused on the ongoing negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The Biden administration has been working to re-enter the agreement, which was abandoned by former President Donald Trump in 2018.
During the call, President Biden reiterated his commitment to diplomacy and expressed his belief that a diplomatic solution is the best way to address the Iranian nuclear program. He reportedly told Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States would not support any offensive military actions against Iran while negotiations are ongoing.
This stance marks a departure from the policies of the Trump administration, which took a more aggressive approach towards Iran and supported Israel in its efforts to counter Iranian influence in the region. Under Trump, the US withdrew from the JCPOA and imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iran, leading to increased tensions between the two countries.
The Biden administration, on the other hand, has made it clear that it is committed to re-engaging with Iran diplomatically and finding a peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue. The decision not to participate in offensive operations against Iran is seen as a signal of this commitment and a departure from the previous administration’s confrontational approach.
The news has sparked mixed reactions in Israel, with some officials expressing concern about the US’s shift in policy. Defense Minister Benny Gantz reportedly raised the issue during a meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, expressing Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and its destabilizing activities in the region.
However, other Israeli officials have welcomed the Biden administration’s focus on diplomacy and its efforts to re-enter the Iran nuclear deal. They believe that a diplomatic solution is the best way to address the nuclear issue and prevent a potential military confrontation with Iran.
The news comes at a critical time for the US-Israel relationship, as the two countries navigate complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East. Israel has long viewed Iran as a major threat to its security and has sought to counter its influence in the region. The US, on the other hand, has been working to re-engage with Iran and find a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue.
The Biden administration’s decision not to participate in offensive operations against Iran is likely to have significant implications for the US-Israel relationship and the broader Middle East. It remains to be seen how this policy shift will impact regional dynamics and the ongoing negotiations to revive the Iran nuclear deal.
Overall, the news of President Biden’s remarks to Prime Minister Netanyahu underscores the administration’s commitment to diplomacy and its efforts to re-engage with Iran. The decision not to support offensive military actions against Iran represents a significant shift in US policy and marks a departure from the confrontational approach of the previous administration. It remains to be seen how this policy shift will impact the US-Israel relationship and regional dynamics in the Middle East..