WH: Washington remains committed to de-escalating tensions in the ME

Washington – WHIA

John Kirby has warned Iran needs to decide whether it wants an open war with the United States in a new White House briefing.

Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, said Washington remains committed to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East but will take necessary action to respond to aggressive behavior toward American troops and assets.

He insisted it is now “up to Iran” to avoid war as he insisted Tehran’s involvement in the deadly strike that killed three US soldiers will lead to “appropriate” consequences against the regime.

Asked whether Iran is trying to escalate the tensions into a conflict, Kirby said: “That’s up to Iran to decide and for Iran to speak to. I can’t speak for the Supreme Leader – I wouldn’t do that.

“Clearly, there’s a calculus by at least the IRGC that conducting these attacks is worth the risk that they’re taking.

“We obviously are going to keep working to change that calculus.”