The United States remains committed to defending Israel from any Iranian attack and is hopeful about a possible ceasefire agreement in Gaza, White House national security spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday (27).
Kirby told Israel’s Channel 12 that it was difficult to predict the chances of an attack, but the White House takes the Iranian statements seriously.
“We believe they are still positioned and prepared to launch an attack if they choose to do so, and that is why we have this heightened posture in the region,” he said.
“Our message to Iran is consistent, has been consistent and will continue to be consistent. Number one, don’t do this. There’s no reason to escalate this. There’s no reason to potentially start some kind of all-out regional war. And number two, we will be prepared to defend Israel if it comes to that.”
Iran has vowed a severe response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which occurred when he visited Tehran late last month. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
The US maintains two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East, as well as an extra squadron of F-22 fighter jets.
Kirby said the force will remain “as long as we feel we need to keep it in place to help defend Israel and defend our own troops and facilities in the region.”
He remained optimistic about a possible ceasefire deal in Gaza to end the 10-month war and return the remaining 108 Israeli hostages, saying the process had been “constructive” and that he looked forward to more talks in Doha in the coming days.
Kirby refused to blame either side for the impasse, saying a deal will require compromise and leadership from both Israel and Hamas.
“The parties are still engaged and that’s a good thing,” he said. “The fact that we’ve moved to another level here with working groups now in Doha is not a bad thing. It means the sides are still talking. It means there’s still hope that we can iron out these last details and move forward.”
“Hamas is still represented in these working group discussions and that is a good thing. No one has completely disassociated themselves from the process.”
Who is Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas political leader killed in Iran?
This content was originally published in White House says US would defend Israel in Iranian attack on CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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