“It can also attack infrastructure targets that will hurt the Iranian regime and the Iranian economy, such as oil, gas and petrochemical facilities, in the hope that the ensuing crisis in Iran will also provoke public anger against the regime.”
Israel’s response may depend on how far the United States is willing to escalate and whether American forces will take part.
The Biden administration likely wants to send a message that will shore up American deterrence. But it might also be wary of an all-out war that could draw in American forces stationed in the region and Arab allies, and which could send oil prices soaring weeks before the U.S. presidential election.
White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Iran’s attack a “significant escalation,” and President Joe Biden said he’s in “active discussion” with aides about what the appropriate response should be.