US Reiterates Stance Against Iran Amid Heightened Middle East Tensions

US reaffirmed its firm stance against the Iranian regime on Thursday, emphasizing its commitment to standing with allies and partners in the face of threats from Tehran. This declaration came from US State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel during a press briefing when questioned about Iran’s right to defend itself as a sovereign nation.

“Iran is a regime that has, time and again since 1979, been the largest and greatest exporter of terrorism, not just in the Middle East but broadly,” Patel stated. “It has a track record of not just suppressing its own people but also funding, promoting, encouraging, and engaging in malign, destabilizing actions across the region.”

Patel underscored that the US maintains a clear and resolute position on the Iranian regime, committing to defend against threats from Tehran and take appropriate action from Washington. “Our opinion and point of view on the Iran regime is quite clear. We will not just stand with our allies and partners when it comes to defending against threats from Iran but also take appropriate action from the United States,” Patel added.

The press briefing took place amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. According to a report by The New York Times, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a direct strike against Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh’s death. This directive followed an emergency meeting of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Wednesday morning, shortly after the assassination was announced.

Both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of carrying out the assassination, although Israel has not confirmed or denied its involvement. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president when he was killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while not directly addressing the responsibility for Haniyeh’s killing, noted recent military actions taken by Israel. “Three weeks ago, we attacked the military chief of Hamas, Mohammad Deif. Two weeks ago we attacked the Houthis, in one of the farthest attacks the Air Force has carried out. Yesterday we attacked the military chief of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr,” Netanyahu said, as reported by CNN.

The US’s reiterated position on Iran and the unfolding events highlight the ongoing volatility in the Middle East, with potential implications for regional and international stability.