WANA (Sep 04) – The U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson responded to a question in a press briefing about the U.S. assessment of Iran’s threat of military retaliation against Israel following the assassination of the former head of Hamas’s political bureau in Tehran by Israel.

 

Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, stated in the press briefing that the threat of an Iranian military response to Israel still exists.

 

Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the former head of Hamas’s political bureau in Tehran, by the Israeli regime, Iranian officials promised retaliation against Israel.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, mentioned in discussions with his European counterparts that Iran’s right to respond to this terrorist and aggressive act by Israel would not go unanswered. He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran would deliver its response in a precise, calculated, and managed manner, considering all necessary aspects.

 

When asked if the U.S. has observed any changes in the threat level in the Middle East, Ryder responded: “Iran has indicated its intent to retaliate, so we continue to take this threat seriously.”

 

He added, “I think we must continue to take this threat seriously and be prepared. I’m not going to speculate on the timing of their response or whether they will attack, but I can say that they have publicly declared their intent to retaliate. Therefore, we take this threat seriously.”

 

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council’s Strategic Communications Coordinator, also previously stated in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12 regarding Iran’s potential response: “We believe that they are still in a position to carry out an attack, which is why we have strengthened the posture of our military forces in the region.”

 

He added, “Our message to Iran has not changed: first, don’t do it; there is no reason to escalate this situation further. There is no reason to start an all-out regional war. Secondly, if it comes to that, we will be prepared to defend Israel.”