Biden says US discussing possible Israeli strikes on Iran oil facilities. Joe Biden has said the US is discussing with Israel the possibility of Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil infrastructure. When asked if he would support such strikes, Mr Biden said: “We’re discussing that. I think that would be a little… anyway.” He has previously said he would not support Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The price of crude oil shot up by 5% immediately after Mr Biden’s comments. It has now increased by 10% since Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran “will pay a heavy price” for Tuesday’s attack, which saw 180 ballistic missiles fired at Israel. Iran said the barrage was a response to the killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan.
President Joe Biden’s remarks on US discussions regarding a possible Israeli strike on Iranian oil facilities highlight the deep tensions and geopolitical complexities in the Middle East. In the context of international relations, such a decision could have major consequences not only for Iran and Israel, but also for regional stability and the global economy. This article will examine the background to the situation, the reasons behind the potential strike, its impact on regional security, and its broader implications for international relations.
Geopolitical Background about “Biden says”
Tensions between Iran and Israel have persisted for decades. The two countries have widely differing views on a range of issues, from Iran’s nuclear program to Iran’s support for militant groups in the region, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Israel views Iran as an existential threat, particularly because of its growing nuclear capabilities and military support for groups it considers enemies of Israel.
In response, Israel has taken a number of steps to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and expanding its influence in the Middle East. This has included attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and support for opposition groups inside Iran. These tensions have escalated since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) in 2018, which had eased some sanctions on Iran and given the country more freedom to develop its nuclear program.
Mr Biden also told reporters that he was not expecting Israel to launch its retaliation on Thursday. Asked as he left the White House what plans the US had to allow Israel to strike Iran, he responded: “First of all, we don’t allow Israel, we advise Israel and there’s nothing that’s going to happen today.” He had earlier said the US did not support strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as touted by some in Israel, including former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett.
Bennett argued striking Iran’s nuclear facilities could “help change the face of the Middle East” and “fatally cripple this terrorist regime”. Reports in Israeli media citing local officials suggest Israel plans to first strike Iran’s oil facilities. If Iran then hits back, Israel will target its nuclear facilities. Mr Biden said on Wednesday he had consulted with the leaders of other G7 countries, who agreed Israel “has the right to respond, but they should respond proportionally”.
Fears over further violence between Israel and Iran, the world’s seventh largest oil producer, have put markets on edge. Of particular concern is whether any escalation could block the Straits of Hormuz, through which a third of oil tanker traffic and a fifth of LNG frozen gas has to pass.
Reasons Behind Discussion of Attack
Biden’s statement regarding discussions about a possible Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities can be understood in several contexts:
Energy Interests: Iranian oil facilities are not only vital to Iran’s economy, but also have a major impact on global energy markets. An attack on these facilities could impact oil supplies and oil prices in international markets, which are already volatile due to a variety of factors, including geopolitical tensions and post-pandemic recovery.
Israeli Military Strategy: Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Discussion of an attack could be part of Israel’s strategy to warn Iran and remind it that it is prepared to take military action if necessary.
US Foreign Policy: In the context of foreign policy, Biden’s statement also shows US support for Israel as a key ally in the region. This reflects the US commitment to supporting its allies in the face of threats, while also reminding Iran that its aggressive actions will not be tolerated.
Impact on Regional Security
The discussion of a possible Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities has major implications for regional security:
- Iranian Response: If Israel carries out such an attack, Iran would likely respond with a counterattack against Israel or its allies. This could increase tensions in the region and potentially trigger a wider conflict. Iran has demonstrated its ability to strike military targets in the region, and its response to an Israeli attack is unpredictable.
- Involvement of Other Countries: This situation could also draw the attention of other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. They may feel compelled to take action or support Israel, especially if they see Iran as a similar threat.
- Refugee and Humanitarian Crises: The increased tensions could lead to a refugee crisis, with people fleeing conflict seeking refuge in neighboring countries. This could place an additional burden on countries already facing challenges in dealing with refugees.
Implications for Global Energy Markets “Biden says”
An attack on Iran’s oil facilities could have a significant impact on global energy markets:
- Oil Price Fluctuations: Iran’s oil facilities are a critical part of the world’s oil supply. If an attack occurs and oil supplies are disrupted, oil prices are likely to spike. Rising oil prices could impact the global economy, increasing inflation and reducing consumer purchasing power.
- Energy Security: Countries that rely on oil from the Middle East may begin to look for alternatives to secure their energy supplies. This could encourage investment in renewable energy or the development of domestic energy sources.
US Foreign Policy and International Engagement
Biden’s remarks also indicate a more proactive US foreign policy approach to the Middle East. The US has long been involved in diplomacy in the region, but the discussion of the Israeli attack signals a shift in that approach.
Support for Israel: By giving the green light for a possible attack, Biden is showing his support for Israel as a key ally. This could strengthen relations between the two countries, but it could also cause tensions with other countries in the region, including Iran and countries that support it.
The Role of Diplomacy: While this situation suggests the possibility of military action, it is important to remember that diplomacy remains an important tool in addressing tensions in the region. Diplomacy can help prevent escalation of conflict and find peaceful solutions to existing problems.
Challenges and Opportunities for Diplomacy
In the face of these tensions, challenges and opportunities for diplomacy remain:
Nuclear Negotiations: While the situation is increasingly complex, there is an opportunity to return to the negotiating table on Iran’s nuclear program. Negotiations involving all parties involved, including European countries and US allies, could pave the way for a peaceful settlement.
Joint Security Initiative: Countries in the Middle East can collaborate to create a stronger security initiative. Cooperation on security can help reduce tensions and prevent future conflicts.
Protection of Civilians: In the context of a potential conflict, the protection of civilians must be a top priority. Strengthening international law and respect for human rights are essential to avoiding a humanitarian crisis.
Conclusion
Biden’s remarks on the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian oil facilities reflect the tensions that deepening tensions in the Middle East and its impact on global energy markets. While this decision may strengthen Israel’s position and demonstrate U.S. support, it could also exacerbate regional tensions and trigger a broader conflict.
In dealing with this situation, it is important for all parties to consider the long-term impacts of their actions. Diplomacy remains an important tool in seeking peaceful solutions, and a thoughtful and collaborative approach can help defuse tensions and create a more stable future in the Middle East.
With all of these aspects in mind, we can appreciate the complexity of this issue and the importance of taking careful steps in managing a fragile situation. The tensions in the Middle East are complex and multi-layered, and lasting solutions can only be achieved through international cooperation and an approach focused on peace and stability.