counterstrike

His statement made no mention of the US supporting Israel in defending against Iranian counterstrikes; which the Americans inevitably will, but which it's unusual not to see them mention publicly.

Such talk has alarmed U.S. officials, who have reportedly urged Israel to avoid nuclear installations and assets in any counterstrike.

But it could prove to be a fleeting change, they said, if Mr. Netanyahu orders a counterstrike damaging enough to pitch the region into wider war.

This means that any Israeli counterstrike, unlike the consular hit, has to be cleared with Washington and be limited enough so that both Iran and Israel can claim victory.

Japan, working to acquire what it calls a “counterstrike” capability, has purchased 400 U.S.