US Warns Israel Against Retaliatory Strikes

Senior administration officials disclosed that the White House has sent a strong warning to Israel, stating that the US will not take part in any retaliation strikes against Iran. 

The warning follows a flurry of over 300 drone and missile strikes against Israel during the course of the previous night, allegedly in retaliation for an attack on Iran's consulate in Syria on April 1. 

Most of the Iranian-launched weaponry was successfully intercepted by US, Israeli, and partner forces before it could reach its target. 

As the first direct attack by Iran on Israel, President Joe Biden allegedly advised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed cautiously and strategically while deciding how to respond to the historic attack. 
During a conversation between Biden and Netanyahu, conducted amidst heightened tensions following the attack, the US president emphasised the need for Israel to carefully consider its next steps.
A senior administration official remarked that Biden stressed Israel’s favourable outcome in the exchange, underscored by the significant number of Iranian projectiles neutralised during the operation.
US military assets, including aircraft and naval vessels, played a pivotal role in thwarting the Iranian attack, downing dozens of drones and ballistic missiles.
Notably, US Central Command (Centcom) reported the interception of seven drones and a ballistic missile in Yemen as they prepared for launch.
While the US remains committed to defending Israel, officials have made it clear that American involvement in any retaliatory action is off the table. 
This stance, aimed at preventing a wider conflict, has drawn criticism from US lawmakers and former officials across the political spectrum.
Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner denounced the administration’s approach, asserting that the conflict is already escalating and demanding a more robust response.
Similarly, former National Security Adviser John Bolton advocated for US involvement in any potential Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear programme.
In response to Iran’s attack, Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson pledged renewed efforts to pass military aid for Israel.