A top White House official stated Sunday that the US does not want the Middle East crisis to worsen, following Israel’s successful defense against Iran’s enormous missile and drone attacks.
“We don’t want to see this escalate,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on “Meet the Press” on NBC. “We’re not looking for a wider war with Iran.”
Israel was on high alert Sunday after Iran launched an unprecedented attack, raising fears of a wider battle.
Iran conducted its first direct assault on Israeli land late Saturday in retaliation for Israel’s deadly strike on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1.
Iran’s reply signaled a significant escalation in the long-running clandestine conflict between the regional rivals.
US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” backing for Israel, attempting to steer the close ally away from a military response.
According to Axios, the president informed Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli strike against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.
Kirby also stated in the interview that the United States is “staying vigilant” against any Iranian threats to American forces.
“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,” Kirby told reporters.
Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel late Saturday, injuring 12 people, according to the Israeli army.
However, almost all were intercepted before they entered Israeli soil, according to the IDF, with assistance from the US, Jordan, the UK, and other allies.