Israel has not provided the Biden administration with guarantees that it will refrain from targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to the Iranian ballistic missile strikes that occurred earlier this week, a senior official from the US State Department informed CNN on Friday.

The official remarked that it is “really hard to tell” whether Israel will choose to retaliate on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks from October 7.

“We hope and expect to see a combination of wisdom and strength, but as you all know, there are no guarantees,” the official stated when asked by CNN if Israel has assured the US that Iran’s nuclear sites are not a target.

US officials have expressed their support for Israel’s response to Iran’s missile attack, with several officials publicly stating that there should be consequences. However, they have also raised concerns about the potential for a regional escalation as they navigate an increasingly unstable Middle East.

Earlier this week, President Joe Biden indicated that the US would not endorse Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear program.

“If I were in their position, I would consider alternatives to striking oil fields,” Biden commented during a press briefing on Friday.

US officials currently lack clarity regarding the timing of Israel’s response and its implementation. The president stated on Friday that Israel would not be making an immediate decision.

When asked by CNN if Israel might retaliate against Iran on the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack, a senior State Department official remarked, “It is really hard to tell.”

The official suggested that Israel might prefer to avoid action on the seventh, indicating that any response would likely occur either before or after that date, as the significance of the day could overshadow any retaliatory measures.

The US has been actively working for nearly a year to prevent the escalation of the conflict into a larger war, and thus far, this effort has been successful, according to the official. They noted that the situation is currently precarious.

President Biden mentioned on Friday that US officials maintain communication with their Israeli counterparts “12 hours a day.”

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell stated on Wednesday that significant efforts are underway on both sides to keep communication channels open and ensure mutual understanding of perspectives.

He acknowledged that there have been unexpected developments over the past few months.

Regarding the Iranian attack on Israel, Campbell emphasized that the United States is also considering its response options, not just Israel’s. He conveyed a dominant message of caution, urging careful consideration in any actions taken concerning Iran.