US not looking for war against Iran, opposes escalations in ME: Kirby

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
14 Apr 2024 19:38
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The United States has revealed that it does not intend to go to war against Iran or escalate the situation in the Middle East, despite vowing to protect "Israel".

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Washington. (AP)

White House spokesperson John Kirby revealed that the United States does not want to see more escalations in the Middle East, following the events of Iran's retaliatory operation against "Israel" on Sunday.

"We're not looking for a wider war with Iran," he told NBC's Meet the Press.

The White House official also added that the US was "staying vigilant" to Iranian threats against US soldiers, saying "We made it very clear to all parties, including Iran, what we would do ... and also how seriously we would take any potential threats to our personnel."

This comes after the IRGC warned the US government that supporting or taking part in harming Iran's interests would result in a decisive and regrettable response by the Iranian Armed Forces.

The statement emphasized Iran's policy of good neighborliness with countries of the region but made it clear that any threat by the United States and "Israel" originating from any country would be met with a reciprocal and proportionate Iranian response to the source of the threat.

Shortly after the Iranian retaliatory attack, US President Joe Biden promised "ironclad" support for "Israel".

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran's attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said on X.

Biden tells Netanyahu US opposes response to Iran's retaliation

However, a senior White House official told Axios that US President Joe Biden told Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his country opposes any Israeli response to the Iranian retaliatory strike.

The White House confirmed Sunday that Biden spoke by telephone with Netanyahu following the unprecedented Iranian retaliation on "Israel" in response to the strike that targeted Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.

Following the call, Biden said US forces have "helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles." He also announced that he "will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack."

But an American official informed CNN that Biden told Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.

Another official revealed that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asked Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant in a phone call to notify Washington before any potential response to Iran's strikes.

Austin said the United States will take all the necessary measures to protect its forces in the Middle East, as well as "Israel", noting, however, that Washington is not seeking conflict with Iran.