The White House has ruled out any participation by the US in a possible Israeli retaliation against Iran.

"We're not looking for a wider war with Iran," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on NBC's "Meet the Press," adding that the United States does not "want to see this escalate."

According to a White House official, US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "think carefully" about his response.

Kirby said Netanyahu was "well aware" of Biden's position following a call between the two leaders soon after Iran launched the attack.

US forces said they shot down some 70 drones and between four and six ballistic missiles during Iran's overnight attack.