Iran could still retaliate against Israel, says White House

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that predicting the likelihood of an Iranian retaliation against Israel is challenging, but Washington takes Tehran’s statements seriously.

“We believe they are still positioned and prepared to launch an attack if they choose to, which is why we have enhanced our force posture in the region,” he said.

“Our message to Iran remains consistent: one, don’t escalate. There’s no reason to provoke a potentially all-out regional war. And two, we will be ready to defend Israel if necessary.”

Kirby also mentioned that no party has “entirely withdrawn from the process” of negotiating a Gaza ceasefire, noting that discussions are now being handled by working groups in Doha.