White House national security spokesman John Kirby informed Scripps News on Thursday that U.S. officials suspect Iran is planning a retaliatory attack against Israel, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the timing and method of such an attack.
The potential retaliation may occur as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran has rejected calls from European nations to refrain from retaliation, blaming Israel for Haniyeh’s death.
“We are not disregarding the possibility of an attack from Iran,” Kirby stated. “We believe they are intent on carrying out their threat, and we are of the opinion that an attack from Iran could happen at any time, possibly in the coming days. However, we cannot predict if or when it will happen, and we are uncertain about the nature and scale of the potential attack. Therefore, we are closely monitoring the situation and engaging in intense diplomacy to defuse tensions.”
RELATED STORY | More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, the territory’s Health Ministry says
The recent escalation has heightened the U.S.’s call for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, with a proposal on the table and ongoing defense aid for Israel. Kirby acknowledges that an Iranian attack on Israel would significantly alter the regional dynamics.
“There is no justification for further escalating the situation beyond its current state, and we have bolstered our military presence in the region to defend ourselves and assist in Israel’s defense if necessary. Hopefully, it will not come to that,” Kirby remarked.
Regarding President Joe Biden’s term in office, Kirby emphasized that January is not a deadline for brokering an agreement between Hamas and Israel, and President Biden is eager to see progress made immediately.
RELATED STORY | This is how Israel would defend itself against new missile attacks from Iran or others
“We approach the negotiations with optimism, energy, and urgency, as every day that hostages are held by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza puts their lives at further risk and intensifies the fears of their families. President Biden is keen on reaching a resolution today,” Kirby concluded.
