President Biden and his team, seeking to prevent further escalation and avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East, are cautioning Israel that its successful defense against Iranian airstrikes represents a significant strategic victory that may not necessitate further retaliation, according to U.S. officials on Sunday.

The interception of nearly all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched against Israel on Saturday night showcased Israel’s success in facing off against Iran and demonstrating its capability to protect itself and its allies, including the United States, rendering additional retaliation unnecessary, stated the officials.

It remains unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and his administration will agree to refrain from further actions as the country’s war council convened for several hours on Sunday to determine their next course of action.

On Sunday morning, the leaders of the Group of 7 major industrial democracies echoed President Biden’s stance, condemning Iran for the attack and cautioning that it could instigate an “uncontrollable regional escalation” in the Middle East.

In a joint statement, the G7 leaders emphasized the need to prevent further escalation, acknowledging the relatively light damage caused by the attack while recognizing the severity of the breach, which surpassed previous skirmishes between Iran and Israel by targeting Israeli territory from Iranian soil.

American officials asserted that Iran’s ultimate aim was to inflict widespread casualties, although the attack’s execution indicated otherwise as Iran quickly signaled its desire to de-escalate through Swiss intermediaries while the assault was ongoing.

John F. Kirby, the national security spokesperson at the White House, emphasized Iran’s failed attempts to cause significant harm given the scale of their assault. Emotions ran high among Israeli officials during discussions with American counterparts, creating pressure for retaliatory measures, although the decision rested with Israel, according to U.S. officials.

Following the Iranian attack, Israeli jets struck Hezbollah-controlled structures in Lebanon, but the connection to the Iranian airstrike remained ambiguous. President Biden reiterated his unwavering support for Israel’s security in a conversation with Mr. Netanyahu, urging restraint and strategic deliberation to avoid escalation.

In a statement released post-call, President Biden hinted at the need to break the cycle of retribution, commending Israel’s defense capabilities and deterring future threats to its security. The efforts were perceived as a gentle persuasion to dissuade Israel from escalating tensions further, as noted by Robert Satloff, the executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

However, the American approach attracted criticism from conservative circles advocating for forceful responses against Iran, not only from Israel but also from the United States. The call for swift retaliation emerged from figures like Senator Marsha Blackburn and Speaker Mike Johnson, attributing blame to the Biden administration for the attack while highlighting the need for increased aid to Israel.

The recent clash between Israel and Iran unfolded against a backdrop of strained relations between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, exacerbated by prior disagreements over humanitarian concerns in Gaza and Israel’s military actions in the region. Tensions further escalated following Israel’s strike on Iranian officers in Syria, prompting fears of a broader conflict.

American and Israeli military coordination ahead of the attack showcased readiness for potential Iranian aggression, with President Biden deploying additional military assets to the region. The successful interception of a vast array of drones and missiles launched by Iran bolstered confidence in the defense capabilities of U.S. and Israeli forces.

Although Iran’s attack resulted in minimal physical damage, its implicit threat triggered a resolute response from Israel, underscoring the nation’s readiness to defend itself. The situation mirrored past confrontations, such as the 2020 strike ordered by President Trump against Iranian forces, culminating in a retaliatory action from Iran swiftly followed by de-escalation.

As the aftermath of the recent conflict unfolds, both Israel and the United States are navigating the delicate balance of deterrence and strategic restraint to prevent further escalation. The U.S. continues to support Israel’s security while advocating for measured responses to avoid spiraling into a full-fledged conflict with Iran.

Eric Schmitt contributed reporting from Washington.