US President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the US will not participate in a counterattack against Iran, an option Netanyahu's military cabinet prefers after a massive drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, reports Reuters.
The threat of open war erupting between archenemies in the Middle East and involving the United States has put the region on the brink, prompting calls for restraint from global powers and Arab nations.
"The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region face the real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time for de-escalation,'' UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a Security Council meeting convened on Sunday in response to the strikes
US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood called on the Council to unequivocally condemn Iran's attack.
"Let me be clear: If Iran or its proxies take action against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held accountable," he said.
However, Biden told Netanyahu that the US would not participate in any Israeli counterattack against Iran, a White House official said.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also spoke to counterparts including in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, stressing the need to avoid escalation, the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response and stressing that the US will continue to support the defense of Israel.