The White House affirmed on Monday that American forces remain in a "defensive posture" in the Middle East, downplaying speculation about US involvement in the escalating Israeli war on Iran. The clarification followed a vague and alarming social media post by US President Donald Trump urging an evacuation of Tehran.

Trump’s post, issued without elaboration, triggered widespread speculation about whether the United States was preparing to join "Israel" in direct military action against Iran. The situation gained further urgency after Trump abruptly announced his early departure from the G7 summit in Canada, citing rising tensions in the region.

Despite the developments, White House and Pentagon officials reiterated that there had been no change in the US military posture.

“This is not true,” said White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer in response to online claims suggesting a US attack on Iran. “American forces are maintaining their defensive posture, and that has not changed.”

In a televised interview for Fox News, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth reinforced the same message, stating, “We are postured defensively in the region, to be strong, in pursuit of a peace deal, and we certainly hope that's what happens here.”

His comments came as concerns mounted over Washington’s potential involvement alongside "Israel" against Iran. 

Trump exits G7 early, raises speculation

Earlier in the day, Hegseth confirmed he had directed new deployments to the Middle East over the weekend, citing the need to bolster defense.

“Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,” he wrote on X.

The USS Nimitz, one of the world’s largest aircraft carriers, was observed leaving Southeast Asia on Monday. Simultaneously, dozens of American military aircraft were reported heading across the Atlantic, further fueling speculation about a broader military response.

A US defense official, speaking anonymously, said Hegseth had ordered the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the region to “sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel.” The movement occurred as the Israeli war on Iran and the latter's retaliatory strikes entered the fourth day, with escalating airstrikes and no signs of de-escalation despite international calls for restraint.

The Trump administration continues to face pressure to clarify its role amid fears of a wider regional war. But for now, this conflict remains officially one where Washington claims it is not seeking escalation, but rather aiming to protect its assets and prevent further destabilization.