Political expert weighs in on growing tensions after Iranian missiles sent to Israel

(WSET) — Following the direct missile attack by Iran on Israel, Dr. David Richards, a political expert at the University of Lynchburg, weighed in on what this could mean for the United States.

Dr. Richards said this attack was in response to Israel's earlier attack on Iran.

"The counterattack by Iran in response to an attack by Israel, earlier this month. It's tit for tat," Richards said.

Richards said that this was a good example of Israel's defense system and it seems to be the only move Iran will make.

"The United States had help from the United Kingdom, France, and even Jordan. It was a good example of a coordinated effort to make sure a close ally was not going to be harmed too much by Iran," Richards said.

Richards said the United States doesn't seem to be too keen on getting in the middle. He explained that the Biden administration does not want to get dragged into a war during an election cycle and will keep the United States as an outside mediator.

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"I'm thinking the United States is hoping that Israel will not make this into a bigger war and that Iran doesn't make this into a bigger war or conflict," Richards said.

Richards also said that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has had trouble getting funding for Israel through the House.

"There was criticism from Speaker Johnson on the administration. But, the speaker has had trouble in getting funding through the House and maybe this will kickstart that," Richards said.

He said it would be interesting to see if the House separates funding from Israel and Ukraine, as most bills have been combining the two. But overall Richards doesn't see this conflict as too much of a threat of the United States going to war.

"As far as how this will affect the United States, I think the United States is not keen to get involved at this point," Richards said.