Biden says ‘discussing’ possible Israeli strikes on Iran oil facilities

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden said he was discussing possible Israeli strikes on Iranian oil facilities, in comments that sent oil prices spiking on Oct 3, just a month before the US presidential election.

Mr Biden told reporters at the White House, however, that he was not expecting Israel to launch any retaliation for Tehran’s missile barrage on Israel before Thursday at least.

When asked by a reporter if he supported Israel striking Iran’s oil facilities, Mr Biden said “we’re discussing that. I think that would be a little… anyway.”

Oil prices jumped 5 per cent over concerns about the Middle East after Mr Biden spoke.

A rise in oil prices could be hugely damaging for Mr Biden’s vice-president, Ms Kamala Harris, as the Democrat confronts Republican former president Donald Trump in a Nov 5 election where the cost of living is a major issue.

Mr Biden said he did not expect any immediate action from Israel – even if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently paid little heed to calls for restraint as he targets the Iran-allied Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

“First of all, we don’t ‘allow’ Israel, we advise Israel. And there is nothing going to happen today,” Mr Biden told reporters when asked if he would allow Israel to retaliate against Iran.