US braces for impending Middle East attacks amid rising tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
12 Aug 2024 22:26

The US has recently increased its force posture and capabilities in the region in response to an impending Iranian retaliation.

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National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during the daily briefing at the White House, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby announced on Monday that the US must brace itself for an impending wave of attacks in the Middle East, as expectations rise in "Israel" over a potential retaliation from Iran.

"We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region," Kirby stated.

Such an attack is likely to be carried out by Iran and members of the Axis of Resistance within the coming days, Kirby added.

"It’s increasingly likely that there will be an attack by Iran and/or its proxies, perhaps in the coming days," Kirby said, noting that the US is closely monitoring the situation as it develops.

"Meeting still scheduled for Thursday the 15th," Kirby said on Monday. "We expect that those talks are going to move forward, and they need to move forward, all negotiators to return to the table and bring this deal to a close."

Kirby also said Hamas must show up to the meeting regardless of its public statements that it will not send any representatives to participate.

In recent days, the region has seen a significant military buildup amid an impending retaliation by Iran and Hezbollah following "Israel's" assassination of two resistance leaders.

In the meantime, the US is in the process of establishing a coalition after having mobilized its forces to protect "Israel".

Multiple US officials told CNN earlier this month that they expect Iran to retaliate in the coming days, perhaps within the next few hours.

However, they struggle "to gauge when the response will come and what form it will take."

The US has already issued warnings to Tehran, stating that "severe consequences" await if it decides to proceed with its plans for retaliation.

On August 8, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that additional F-22 Raptors have been deployed to the Middle East to counter "threats from Iran" and resistance groups in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen.

On August 9, the White House decided to release $3.5 billion in funding for "Israel" to purchase US-made weapons and military equipment.