National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday did not rule out a U.S. attack on Iranian soil, but still insisted President Biden “doesn’t intend to start a war” in the Middle East.
Sullivan spoke to CNN, ABC and NBC days after the United States and Britain launched a major airstrike campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Friday in retaliation for the killing and wounding of three U.S. service members. appeared on the Sunday program. More than 40 people are also in Jordan, along the Syrian border.
“The president has approached this on the simple principle that if our military is attacked, the United States will step up and respond. And the United States does not want a broader war in the Middle East. We don’t want that.”So we will respond forcefully and clearly, as we did on Friday night, and we will continue to pursue policies that do both at the same time, but at the same time: We intend to continue to maintain this approach. It won’t involve the United States in wars, as we’ve seen far too often in the Middle East,” Sullivan told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”
Sullivan vowed “further action” but said he would refrain from telegraphing U.S. attacks in the conflict.
US, UK launch new airstrikes against Houthis
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 16, 2024. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images)
“Inside Iran? Would you rule that out at this point?” Bash asked.
“Look, sitting on national television, I’m not trying to regulate or eliminate any activity. What I’m saying is, the president should do what he thinks should be done. “He’s re-emphasizing that point, that he’s going to protect our military and he’s not going to go to war,” Sullivan said.
Bash said the Biden administration should have acted before there were three U.S. military casualties, given that there have been more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces since Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7. He pointed out the Republican criticism.
“Even before the tragic events of a few days ago, we have fought back many times, hitting targets in both Iraq and Syria,” Sullivan said. “We have opposed Revolutionary Guards and militia-related facilities in both Iraq and Syria. We have eliminated militia leaders in Iraq. So the idea that we have not fought back is completely false. The second point I want to make is that I did not fight back.”The same voice that sounded in the previous administration when American service members were tragically killed by the same militia seemed to me almost like a political voice.” This is a challenging and difficult issue, and it has been for every president in the past.”For 20 years, every president has tried to protect the U.S. military. ”
Meanwhile, Iran on Sunday warned the United States that it could target two Middle Eastern cargo ships, the Behshad and Saviz. The cargo ship has long been suspected of serving as a transport hub for Iranian special forces, indicating Iran’s growing anxiety over recent U.S. attacks. For several days, it targeted Islamic Republic-backed militias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
Appearing on ABC’s “This Week,” Sullivan said, “The primary purpose of the airstrikes was against Iraqi and Syrian militias that are attacking our troops with support from Iran, and against the Houthis, who continue to threaten shipping in the Red Sea. It’s about taking away the ability from the faction.” And we believe they have had a positive effect in mitigating the decline in the capacity of the militias and the Houthis. ”
Members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces stand guard during the funeral of 16 members killed in a US airstrike. (Ameer Al Mohamedawi/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)
US launches ‘self-defense’ attack against Houthi projectiles scheduled to fire at merchant ships in Red Sea
“This was the beginning of our response. Further steps are needed,” Sullivan told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. “While some of these steps may be visible and others may be invisible, further action is needed in response to the deaths and tragic deaths of three brave American soldiers. “And we cannot rule out the possibility of further attacks.” And the president has been clear about that, telling military commanders that they need to be ready to respond to further attacks. ”
Appearing on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Sullivan also responded to criticism from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), who claims the Biden administration is placating Iran.
Members of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces participate in the funerals of 16 members killed in US air strikes. (Ameer Al Mohamedawi/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)
“That seems a little strange to me. Before we were attacked at Tower 22 in Jordan, before our brave service members were tragically killed, the president said he would respond if we were attacked.” He made it clear that he was deaf,” Sullivan said. “So Iran and its militias knew the U.S. would respond. We think those attacks had a positive effect. So, of course, there’s always armchair quarterbacks, but , we are confident in the steps we have taken.” We have come far and we are confident in our path forward. ”
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Johnson fired back by appearing later on the same show.
Prime Minister Johnson said: “I have a little problem with what Jake Sullivan has just said. I listened to that interview and it was interesting. We have made it clear to Iran that nothing is off the table. “We should not appease Iran.” he told NBC host Kristen Welker. “That’s what the Biden administration has been doing for the last three years. We’re showing weakness on the world stage. And frankly, Kristen, that’s why our adversaries have taken such provocative actions. What we have to do now is turn around.”It’s hot in Iran.” ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
