U.S. State Department Urges Caution, Pledges Consequences for Iran After Missile Attack on Israel

Riyadh, October 1, 2024 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to confirm whether Iran’s nuclear program would be considered a legitimate target for Israeli retaliation following the recent Iranian missile attack on Israel. Miller stated that the U.S. would first discuss potential consequences with Israeli officials before making any public statements.

“This is not to say I’m ruling anything out or ruling anything in,” Miller said in response to a CNN query. “We want to have these conversations directly with our Israeli counterparts over the coming days,” he added, signaling the U.S. intent to work closely with Israel on its response to what he called “a significant escalation” by Iran.

Miller reiterated National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s position that the U.S. will coordinate with Israel in determining the appropriate course of action following the attack. While specific measures were not disclosed, Miller assured that “there must be consequences for Iran for this attack.”

He also noted that the missile attack on Israel was countered in part due to coordinated efforts between the U.S., Israel, and other partners, though he did not specify which countries were involved. Miller highlighted the long-standing warnings from the U.S. regarding the threat posed by Iran’s arming and funding of terrorist organizations across the Middle East, saying that the missile strikes demonstrated the gravity of these concerns.

Addressing questions on Israel’s recent actions, including the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week, Miller acknowledged that Israel has taken significant actions to “bring terrorists to justice.” By contrast, he said, “Iran came to the defense of a terrorist organization,” reinforcing the U.S. view that Iran’s state-sponsored missile strike was aimed at protecting its proxy forces in the region.

Miller also commented that “this wave of the attack is over,” while cautioning that further Iranian strikes would be viewed as "incredibly escalatory." The U.S. remains vigilant as it coordinates with Israel on next steps, ensuring a measured but firm response to the attack.