Biden not to back strike on N-sites

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he would not support a strike by Israel on Iranian nuclear sites in retaliation for Tuesday's missile attack.

He made this clear hours after he concurred with G-7 leaders on imposing new sanctions on Iran following the ballistic missile attack on Israel.

Asked whether he would support a decision to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Biden said, "The answer is no. All seven of us agree that they have a right to respond but they should respond in proportion."

Biden's response is being seen as an attempt to restrain Israel from taking steps that could lead to the escalation of the war and further destabilize the region.

OIL SPIKES: Biden said he was instead discussing possible strikes on Iranian oil facilities, in comments that sent oil prices spiking - by five percent. However, a rise in oil prices could be hugely damaging for Biden's Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democrat confronts Republican former president Donald Trump in a November 5 election where the cost of living is a major issue.