Sullivan noted that the U.S. will consult with Israeli officials on potential responses after Iran launched over 200 missiles at Israel.
“It is too early for me to provide a public assessment,” he mentioned, adding that President Biden is closely monitoring the situation “minute by minute.” He confirmed that one Palestinian in Jericho was killed, but there have been no reported fatalities in Israel.
On October 1, Reuters reported that the U.S. warned Iran of severe consequences for its missile attack, labeling it a significant escalation that seemed to have been thwarted. Sullivan indicated that U.S. military forces in the region aided Israel in countering the attack and that the Biden administration is coordinating with Israel on a response. “This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event,” he reiterated, asserting that there will be “severe consequences” for the attack.
While Sullivan did not detail what those consequences might entail, he refrained from urging restraint from Israel, in contrast to the U.S. position during a previous incident in April when Iran conducted a drone and missile attack on Israel. He confirmed that the Biden administration continues to monitor the evolving situation and gather information.
This missile attack from Iran marks a serious escalation of regional tensions, despite ongoing negotiations by the Biden administration and assurances of a forthcoming ceasefire to resolve the Gaza conflict. As Biden approaches the end of his term, he faces mounting criticism both domestically and internationally regarding U.S. military support for Israel, a sentiment echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic leaders.
