White House: US Forces Stay Defensive Amid Iran-Israel War

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: Reuters

The White House said on Monday night that American forces are still in a defensive position in the Middle East. This statement comes as military activity increases due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Earlier, President Donald Trump gave a surprise warning on social media, telling people to "evacuate Tehran", the capital of Iran. He did not give any more details. Many people began to wonder if the US was planning to join Israel in an attack on Iran.

That suspicion grew when it was revealed that President Trump would be leaving the G7 summit in Canada early. He planned to return to the White House a day ahead of schedule because of the situation in the Middle East.

However, both White House and Pentagon officials repeated that US forces are not going on the attack. They are only trying to protect themselves and stay ready in case of danger.

White House spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer replied to a social media post claiming the US had attacked Iran. He clearly said: “This is not true.” He added, “American forces are staying in a defensive mode, and that has not changed.”

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth also said on Fox News that the US is staying strong but peaceful. He said the goal is to support peace and that they “hope for a peaceful outcome.”

Earlier that day, Hegseth said he had sent more US military support to the Middle East over the weekend. He explained that this move was made to keep American soldiers safe.

Hegseth also posted on social media saying that protecting US troops is the top priority and that the new military deployments are only meant to strengthen US defense.

Soon after, reports showed that the USS Nimitz, a massive aircraft carrier, had left Southeast Asia and was heading toward the Middle East. There were also reports that dozens of US military aircraft were flying across the Atlantic.

A defense official, who did not want to be named, said that Hegseth had ordered the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East. The official said this move is meant to protect American personnel and keep up a defensive posture.

This all comes during the fourth day of airstrikes between Israel and Iran, with no clear end in sight, even though many world leaders are calling for peace.