Washington D.C.: U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday cautioned Israel against targeting Iran's oil facilities in response to recent escalations, urging alternative strategies to prevent an all-out war in the Middle East. Speaking at a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room, Biden emphasized the need for global cooperation to de-escalate the conflict, which has seen rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

"If I were in their shoes, I'd be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields," Biden told reporters, referencing discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding possible retaliatory actions following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel earlier this week. He noted that Israel had not yet decided on its next course of action.

Biden’s remarks followed concerns over the potential impact of oil strikes on global prices, which saw a sharp rise after he indicated that such actions were being considered. The president’s stance is shaped by the broader implications of the Middle Eastern conflict, including its potential influence on the U.S. economy ahead of the November 5 election.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, currently campaigning for another term, took a far more aggressive tone, suggesting Israel should prioritize hitting Iran's nuclear facilities. At a town hall event in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Trump criticized Biden’s approach, claiming, “When they asked him that question, the answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later.”

Trump has largely refrained from commenting extensively on the escalating situation in the Middle East, but in recent statements, he has blamed the Biden administration for the growing crisis, suggesting a lack of effective leadership.

Biden also took the opportunity to send a pointed message to Netanyahu, reminding the Israeli leader of the steadfast support the U.S. has provided to Israel under his administration. However, he refrained from directly accusing Netanyahu of trying to influence U.S. domestic politics ahead of the 2024 election, saying, “I’m not counting on that.”

The president reaffirmed his commitment to diplomacy and stressed that the U.S. remains in close contact with Israeli officials as they weigh their response to Iran’s missile attack, which Iran claimed was in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.