White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby stressed that the United States continues Israel is committed.
Kirby assured that the US government is ready to defend Israel in the event of a possible attack by Iran. He explained that it is difficult to predict the likelihood of such an attack, but explained that the US is prepared for such a situation and takes the threat seriously.
“Our message to Iran is, has been and will remain consistent. First, don’t do it. There is no reason to escalate the situation. There is no reason to potentially start a full-scale regional war. And second, we will be ready to defend Israel if it comes to that,” Kirby said in an address to Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday, reported by Reuters.
“We believe they are still posing and they are ready to launch an attack if they want to. That’s why we have an increased troop presence in the region,” Kirby added.
Kirby’s comments follow Iran’s threat to avenge the assassination of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniya.
Two weeks ago, the United States warned of the possibility of a series of major Iranian attacks on Israel. Together with several European countries called on Tehran to “withdraw” its threats.
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian reiterated, as AFP reported, that his country has the right to respond to any aggression against it, during a telephone conversation with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who urged him to avoid an escalation in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Kirby said U.S. forces would remain in the Middle East as long as the threat persists. “The USA maintains two aircraft carriers attack groups in the Middle East and an additional squadron of F-22 fighter jets,” Reuters reported.
Finally, Kirby was optimistic about a possible Ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
“The parties are still engaged and that’s a good thing. … The fact that we’ve reached a new level here with the working groups in Doha is not a bad thing. It means that the sides are still talking to each other. It means that there is still hope that we can get those final details in place and move forward,” Kirby stressed.
