Will US back Israel if it attacks Iran's nuclear sites? Joe Biden's one-word answer

US President Joe Biden said that he would not support an attack by Israel on Iranian nuclear sites in retaliation for Tehran's firing of over 180 missiles at Israeli cities amid fears of a full-blown war in the mideast region. "The answer is no," Biden said on Wednesday, when asked if he would support such retaliation after Iran fired missiles at Israel.

"We'll be discussing with the Israelis what they're going to do, but all seven of us (G7 nations) agree that they have a right to respond. But they should respond proportionally," he said before boarding the Air Force One.

Biden also said there would be more sanctions imposed on Iran and he would speak soon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reported news agency Reuters. "Obviously, Iran is way off course," he said.

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Iran attacks Israel

Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Millions of people rushed to shelters before explosions lit up the night skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said majority of missiles were "intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States".

The firing of missiles came after Israeli troops launched ground raids into Lebanon, in the biggest escalation of regional warfare since fighting erupted in Gaza a year ago.

After the attack was over, Israel warned Iran of consequences with Benjamin Netanyahu saying that Iran would "pay for the attack". Some analysts said Israel's response would likely be sharper this time, suggesting it could target Iran's nuclear or oil facilities.

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Israel gets backing from US

US has asked its military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council said. It has called on every nation in the world to join it in condemning Iran's attack on Israel after Tehran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel

Iran's ballistic missile assault on Israel was "defeated and ineffective", the White House said on Tuesday, warning that Tehran could expect severe consequences for the attacks.

"Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective," Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden's national security advisor, told reporters.

Sullivan hailed US efforts to repel some of the attacks, which involved American naval destroyers shooting down some of the missiles.

(With agency inputs)