On Tuesday, August 27, the US National Security spokesperson, John Kirby, stated that the US remains committed to protecting Israel in the event of any attacks by Iran. At the same time, the US expressed hope for a potential ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
The Pentagon also announced that two aircraft carrier strike groups of the US Navy have been ordered to remain in the Middle East as part of the US commitment to support Israel against threats from Iran and its regional partners and proxies.
Kirby told Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday that it is difficult to predict the likelihood of an attack, but the White House will take Iran’s statements seriously. He emphasized that the military deployments in the region have been reinforced as a precautionary measure.
“We believe that if they choose to do so, they remain in a posture to be able to launch such attacks at any time, and that’s why we have enhanced our military presence in the area,” he said.
“The message we’re sending to Iran is consistent, as it has been in the past and will continue to be in the future. First, don’t do this. There’s no reason to escalate tensions. There’s no reason to provoke some sort of comprehensive regional war. Second, if it does happen, we will be prepared to defend Israel,” Kirby added.
Last month, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed during a visit to Tehran, and Iran vowed a severe response, blaming Israel for Haniyeh’s death. However, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
Currently, the US has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Middle East, along with an additional squadron of F-22 fighter jets. The USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier fleets are currently in the Gulf of Oman.
Last Sunday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Pentagon stated that Austin “reiterated the right of Israel to self-defense and the commitment of the US to support Israel against threats from Iran and its regional partners and proxies.”
Israel has described Iran’s aggressive behavior as reaching “historic high levels.”
According to the call records from last Sunday, Austin ordered both aircraft carriers to continue their presence.
Kirby stated on Tuesday, “As long as we feel it necessary to keep it there to help in defending Israel, to help defend our forces and facilities in the region, that force will be there.”
It remains unclear how long the USS Theodore Roosevelt will stay in the Middle East. Pentagon spokesperson, Major General Pat Reid, declined to disclose the deployment schedule of these aircraft carriers during a press conference on Monday.
Additionally, Kirby remains optimistic about the potential for a Gaza ceasefire agreement that would end the conflict and release the remaining 108 Israeli hostages. He referred to this progress as “constructive” and looks forward to further discussions in Doha in the coming days.
Kirby refused to attribute the negotiation deadlock to either side, stating that reaching an agreement requires compromise and leadership from both Israel and Hamas.
“Both sides are still engaged, which is a good thing,” he said. “In fact, we’ve set up working groups in Doha and entered another level, which is not a bad thing. It means both sides are still negotiating. It means we still have hope to finalize the remaining details and move forward.”
“Hamas still has representatives participating in these discussions, which is a positive development. No one is entirely out of this process.”