The United States was notified by Israel ahead of its strikes on targets in Iran but was not involved in the operation, a US official told Reuters.
“The United States was notified in advance of the operation, but we are not participating in this Israeli military operation,” said a US Senior Administration official.
“We understand that Israel is conducting targeted strikes against military targets in Iran as an exercise of self-defense and in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1,” said Sean Savett, White House National Security Council spokesperson, in a statement. “We would refer you to the Israeli government for more information on their operation.”
White House is aware of the situation
President Joe Biden was briefed on the strikes while he was in Delaware, a White House official said. His advisers are not planning to meet at this time.
Reuters further reported that Vice President Kamala Harris was briefed on the strikes against Iran while she was campaigning in Houston. The White House said that she “Is closely following developments and will continue to be updated.”
Army radio reported that Defense Minister Gallant and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke by phone, and that Gallant updated Austin on the strike’s progress in Iran.
CNN reported that an Israeli source confirmed that Saturday’s attack was 100% Israeli and did not target energy infrastructure but that there continues to be “deep cooperation” with the United States regarding areas such as aerial defenses.
This is a developing story.
Reuters contributed to this report.
