US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters: “We still consider Iran’s potential threat to be real and credible,” and the United States intends to “do everything possible to ensure that Israel is able to defend itself.”
Kirby refused to confirm press information stating that American officials consider the Iranian strike “imminent” or to comment on the possibility that Washington would help intercept any Iranian missiles launched towards Israel.
He stressed: “I will simply say that we are following this matter closely.”
US President Joe Biden warned on Wednesday that Iran “threatens to launch a major attack on Israel,” stressing the United States’ “steadfast” support for its main ally in the Middle East despite diplomatic tensions between the two countries over the way Israel is managing its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Israel: We are ready to defend ourselves
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said on Friday that Israel and the United States stand “side by side” in confronting Iran.
Gallant stressed, in a statement after his meeting with the Commander of the US Central Command, General Eric Kurella, who is visiting Israel: “Our enemies think that they can drive distance between Israel and the United States, but the opposite is true: they are bringing us closer to each other and strengthening our ties.”
The Israeli minister continued: “We are ready to defend ourselves on land and in the air in close cooperation with our partners, and we know how to respond.”
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