Biden opposes Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear sites

US President Joe Biden has firmly opposed any Israeli retaliatory strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, following Tehran’s missile barrage on Israel.

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Biden emphasised the importance of a proportional response while acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself.

“We’ll be discussing with the Israelis what they plan to do, but all seven of us [G7 nations] agree that they have the right to respond. However, the response should be proportional,” Biden said, indicating a collective stance among the world's leading economies.

His remarks come in the wake of Iran firing more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, which Biden had earlier described as “ineffective.”

The missile strikes followed the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, allegedly by Israeli forces, and have heightened tensions in the already volatile region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Iran would "pay a heavy price" for the attacks, sparking speculation that Israel might target Iran’s nuclear or oil facilities.

Meanwhile, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated that Iran would face "severe consequences" for its missile attack on Israel. Sullivan, however, stopped short of detailing what form those consequences might take.