US unaware if Israel decided on response to Iranian strike — White House
John Kirby stated that the US does not want a wider conflict in the Middle East and do not seek a standoff with Iran
WASHINGTON, April 15. /TASS/. The US is unaware if Israel decided to respond to the Iranian strike and what this response may look like, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said.
"We do not have any indication right now that they have made a decision and what they might do," Kirby said, according to ABC. He noted that it is up to Israel to decide on this issue.
The official also opined the Israel displayed "military superiority" over Iran during the April 13 operation.
"Iran is not the power that it purports to be," Kirby believes.
He stated that the US does not want a wider conflict in the Middle East and do not seek a standoff with Iran.
"We do not seek a wider war in the region and we do not seek a conflict with Iran," he said.
However, the US will continue providing Israel with aid and everything necessary to defend itself against Hamas and Iranian strikes, Kirby noted.
"We’re going to continue to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself," he said.
On the evening of April 13, Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, calling it a response to "numerous crimes," including the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, attributed to Israel. The Iranian state media said that the strike targeted Israeli military facilities. The IDF claimed that it intercepted 99% from approximately 350 missiles moving towards Israel, adding that insignificant damage was caused to the Nevatim airbase.