White House spokesperson John Kirby addressed the press today regarding recent events in the Middle East and the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. In light of the deaths of American troops in the region, questions were raised about the effectiveness of previous retaliatory strikes taken by the White House. Kirby acknowledged that while these strikes had an impact on degrading and disrupting the activities of certain groups, it is evident that attacks against American troops persist. As a result, the White House is considering a new set of options to appropriately respond to these attacks.
When questioned about the legal basis for the President's authority to respond, Kirby emphasized that the President has the necessary authority under the Constitution as the Commander-in-Chief to protect American troops and facilities overseas. He clarified that additional authority from Congress is not required in this situation.
Kirby also addressed the political pressure faced by the President, particularly calls from Republicans for direct strikes on Iran. He stated that the President's primary focus is on the well-being of the affected troops and their families, as well as ensuring the support and resources needed for ongoing missions. The goal is to protect and defend national security interests in the region.
In response to a question on whether Iran wants a war, Kirby stated that it is up to Iran to decide and speak for itself. However, he acknowledged that there appears to be a calculated risk taken by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) in carrying out these attacks. The United States will continue working to change this calculus and prevent further escalations.
Turning to NATO, Kirby mentioned that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is currently in Washington for meetings with top administration officials. While Kirby did not speak on behalf of the allies or the Secretary General, he noted that many European allies share concerns about the situation in the Middle East. Several of these allies are participants in the coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea, highlighting their vested interests in the region.
The briefing provided insight into the White House's perspective on the recent attacks and the ongoing tensions with Iran. As the situation continues to evolve, it is clear that the United States is actively considering options to safeguard the well-being of its troops and protect national security interests in the region. The role of international allies, particularly NATO, remains crucial in addressing the escalating tensions and preventing further destabilization.
