U.S. Asked Israel to Avoid Strikes on Iran

The United States has asked Israel to refrain from participating in the current round of strikes against Iran, according to people familiar with the matter. Gulf Arab states have lobbied Washington to maintain that position, citing concerns that Israeli involvement could prompt Iranian strikes on regional energy facilities.

Minister Smotrich stated that the goal is to undermine the Iranian regime and that the best way to achieve this is to weaken it economically. Iran has struck targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan but has not hit Israel.

An Israeli think tank chief said keeping an Israeli attack in reserve gives Washington leverage in efforts to revive a strait agreement. The arrangement leaves each side with different incentives, and the situation could shift if additional incidents occur.