The White House has announced that the US will refrain from participating in retaliatory measures against Iran.

Global appeals for restraint arise amid escalating tensions, as the prospect of open conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US looms large. In a dramatic turn of events, President Joe Biden delivered a stern message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming that the US would not join in any retaliatory measures against Iran, should Israel opt for such action following a mass drone and missile assault on Israeli territory overnight, as revealed by a White House official. The looming specter of an all-out conflict involving Iran, Israel, and potentially the United States has heightened tensions across the Middle East, prompting urgent appeals for restraint from global powers and Arab nations in a bid to prevent further escalation. According to reports from US media on Sunday, Biden conveyed this stance to Netanyahu during a late-night phone call. A White House official later confirmed the remarks to Reuters. While reaffirming continued support for Israel's defense, the White House emphasized a stance against war, as articulated by John Kirby, the top national security spokesperson, during an appearance on ABC's \"This Week\" program on Sunday. The attack, launched by Iran in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria on April 1, resulted in the deaths of senior Revolutionary Guards commanders. Despite the extensive assault, which involved over 300 missiles and drones primarily launched from within Iran, Israel managed to intercept most of the projectiles with assistance from the US, Britain, and Jordan. Although an Israeli Air Force base in southern Israel sustained damage, operations continued as usual. However, a child was injured by shrapnel, highlighting the gravity of the situation. In response to the escalating tensions, Israeli officials signaled a measured approach, indicating that immediate retaliation was not on the agenda and stressing the importance of forming a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran. While Iran issued warnings of further escalation if Israel retaliated, it also conveyed to the US and regional neighbors that its attack was intended to be limited and in self-defense. Despite the gravity of the situation, Iran later declared the matter concluded, signaling a potential easing of tensions, at least for the time being. Russia, China, France, and Germany along with Arab states Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates urged restraint, with the U.N. Security Council scheduled to convene at 4 p.m. ET (2000 GMT) on Sunday. \"We will do everything to prevent further escalation,\" stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit to China. \"We can only caution everyone, particularly Iran, against persisting in this manner.\" Turkey also cautioned Iran against escalating tensions in the region. Debate among analysts centered on the intent behind Iran's attack: whether it aimed for substantial damage in Israel or sought to maintain domestic credibility after vowing retaliation while avoiding a full-scale war. \"I believe the Iranians took into account Israel's formidable multi-layered anti-missile system and likely anticipated limited casualties,\" remarked Sima Shine, a former senior Mossad official at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. However, Shine cautioned against assuming Israel would perceive the attack as benign, as it might not interpret the situation similarly to Iran's previous missile strikes on US forces in Iraq following the assassination of Guards commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Over the weekend, Iran's Revolutionary Guards captured an Israel-affiliated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, underscoring the economic risks of broader conflict. Flights were suspended in several countries across the region, and stock markets in Israel and Gulf states experienced declines. The conflict in Gaza, initiated after an Iran-backed Hamas attack on October 7, has expanded to involve Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

Hezbollah, Iran's influential ally in the region, launched rockets at an Israeli base overnight. Israel responded by targeting a Hezbollah facility deep inside Lebanon on Sunday morning. Yemen's Houthis, who have been launching missiles at ships in the Red Sea in what they claim is solidarity with the Palestinians, deemed Iran's attack justified. The October 7th assault, which Israel asserts resulted in 1,200 fatalities and 253 individuals being held hostage, coupled with internal discontent within the government and international pressure concerning the Gaza conflict, set the stage for Netanyahu's response. Gaza authorities report that at least 33,000 people have perished since the onset of Israel's military campaign. For years, the Israeli prime minister has advocated for a robust military stance against Iran, urging the United States to take tougher measures regarding Tehran's nuclear program and its support for Hezbollah, Hamas, and other regional factions. In Israel, despite concerns about the first direct assault from another nation in over three decades, the atmosphere differed from the turmoil following the Hamas-led incursion on October 7th. \"I believe we've now been given the green light to retaliate. This was a significant attack from Iran... I anticipate Israel will respond swiftly and then resume normalcy,\" remarked Jeremy Smith, aged 60. In Iran, state media showcased small gatherings in various cities celebrating the strike, yet some Iranians privately expressed apprehension about Israel's potential reaction. \"Iran has handed Netanyahu a prime opportunity to strike our nation. But we, the Iranian people, will bear the consequences of this conflict,\" remarked Shima, a 29-year-old nurse from Tehran.

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