'Israel' retreats from plans targeting Iranian nuclear, oil sites: NYT
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The Israeli government has informed the Biden administration that it will no longer target Iranian nuclear facilities and oil sites in its planned attack on Iran.
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Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, on September 27, 2024 (AP)
Two officials reported that the Israeli government has informed the Biden administration that it will refrain from targeting Iran's nuclear enrichment and oil production facilities in its response to Tehran's recent missile attack, reported The New York Times.
According to the report, this decision is expected to lower the immediate risk of an all-out war between the two sides.
The officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, indicated that "Israel" has decided to concentrate its next strikes on military targets in Iran rather than on facilities associated with the oil industry or uranium enrichment.
The Biden administration is concerned that if "Israel" attacks these sensitive targets, it could lead to a significant escalation in the Middle East, particularly as "Israel" continues its aggression on the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
According to the NYT, even though no final decision has been reached, any Israeli attack could be on a wide scale, potentially leading Iran to escalate its response.
'Israel's' wide-scale attack on Iran
Officials noted that the Israeli decision, first reported by The Washington Post, applies only to its next strike against Iran, suggesting that "Israel" may still consider such targets in future confrontations.
The NYT reported that even if "Israel" refrains from targeting Iranian nuclear enrichment and oil facilities, it could still strike a variety of military targets. These may include missile and drone launchers, storage sites, factories, military bases, and government buildings, according to two Israeli officials familiar with the planning phase, who spoke on condition of anonymity regarding military matters.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened with security chiefs at an intelligence base to discuss the response, although the government has yet to finalize a specific strategy, according to Israeli officials.
These assurances from "Israel" come as the Biden administration seeks to prevent a larger war in the Middle East.
On their part, Iranian officials have reaffirmed Iran's commitment to respond to any Israeli attack, immediately. Earlier today, the Iranian government spokesperson, Fatemeh Mohajerani, emphasized that "Iran is unwavering in its commitment to defending its interests, and its history demonstrates that it never compromises on national security with anyone."
She added, "Iran has never started any war. Frankly, we tell everyone not to twist the lion's tail."
In a similar vein, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, issued a stark warning to "Israel," declaring, "If the Zionists make any further mistakes, we will respond with greater intensity. In that case, we may opt to target and dismantle their infrastructure."
