The massacre carried out by Israel in Gaza and most recently the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the capital of Iran, have further increased the voices of “war” in the region. While Iran is expected to launch a retaliatory attack on Israel at any moment, it is stated that the attack will also bring the danger of a world war to the agenda.
USA IS BUILDING UP IN THE REGION
While tensions in the region are rising by the minute, the US’s buildup in the Middle East has further increased concerns.
While everyone was wondering what stance the US would take against a possible Iranian attack, a statement came from the Pentagon.
US Department of Defense Pentagon Spokesperson Pat Ryder made the following statement at the press conference;
“IF IRAN ATTACKS, WE WILL USE OUR MILITARY POWER”
“If Iran attacks, we will use our military power in the region. I hope we will not be in a situation where we have to use those capabilities. But if we need to defend Israel, we will use them.”
“WE ARE THERE TO PREVENT A REGIONAL WAR”
Responding to a question regarding the US’s high-level buildup in the region against the Iran and Hezbollah threats, Spokesperson Pat Ryder said the following;
“Look at what we’re trying to do here. Deter a broader regional conflict, prevent a regional war in a very tense Middle East where Iran is threatening to retaliate and potentially use overwhelming force. And again, we’ve been very clear about our commitment to helping defend Israel. Nobody wants to see an escalation. Nobody wants to see a broader regional conflict. So hopefully we won’t find ourselves in a situation where we have to use these capabilities. But if we have to use them in defense of Israel, we will.”
(CNN Turk)