White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Sunday on NBC News that the United States is not seeking escalation after Iran’s attack on Israel last weekend. However, he noted that defense assistance to Israel will continue.
Kirby appeared on “Meet the Press” to discuss Saturday’s attack on Israel by Iran. Iran launched about 300 explosive one-way attack drones, which the United States and other partners helped shoot down. NBC host Kristen Welker asked Kirby about a situation where Iran claims it’s over while Israel believes it’s not. (Related: US shoots down Iranian drone targeting Israel)
“The situation this morning is an incredible military accomplishment by Israel and, frankly, by the United States and other partners who helped defend Israel from 300 unmanned aircraft and missiles. I think it’s just an extraordinary example of military superiority shown to the whole world. It also showed Israel that it has friends and is not alone. [and] We are not alone on the world stage,” Kirby said.
“How the Israelis react and how they respond is up to them and we understand and respect that. But the president has been very clear and we will We do not want war and we do not want an escalation here. We will continue to support Israel in its defense.”
In response to Mr. Welker pressing him about possible threats to U.S. forces in the region, Mr. Kirby said the administration had “not seen any attacks” against troops or personnel, but would continue to monitor them “very closely.” Mr. Welker then pressed the national security spokesperson on whether the United States had had “back channel communications” with Iran.
“Not in terms of operations, but obviously in advance of what happened yesterday, I would-” Kirby began.
“So there was backchannel communication?” Welker asked.
“Let me just say that we have made it very clear to all parties, including Iran, what we will do and how we will continue to protect Israel. and how seriously we take potential threats to our personnel and facilities,” Kirby said.
Although Mr. Kirby began repeatedly saying that the United States was not seeking escalation, Mr. Welker said on Saturday night that he was watching the situation unfold and spoke to national security reporters about his response to Americans who believed it had “already escalated.” asked the official.
“I ask the American people who saw what happened last night to take comfort in our military in this region and how they protect their country and protect our interests in this region. Just to repeat what I said earlier, know that the president is personally working on the diplomatic side of this issue. In fact, a little later today, he convened the G7 and said that he is addressing the diplomatic side of this issue. We’re going to discuss how to respond,” Kirby said.
In response to the attack on Israel, President Joe Biden issued a statement. statement Saturday night. Referring to the U.S. defense of Israel, Biden said he would convene “G7 leaders to coordinate a unified diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.” The Biden administration had previously been concerned about attacks on Israel in response to the April 1, 2024 Israeli airstrike. The attack reportedly hit the Iranian consulate and killed a senior Iranian military official, Al Arabiya Inglish.
An estimated 300 drones were reportedly launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen on Sunday to attack Israel as tensions in the region escalated. according to Go to NBC News. Israel later confirmed that 99% of the drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles were shot down, causing only minor damage to one Israeli military base, CBS News announced. report.
