After a top Hamas political leader was assassinated in Tehran last week, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer said the United States is “preparing for every possibility” regarding potential retaliation from Iran.
“I won’t lay out what I expect Iran to do, because I don’t think we want to show our hand in that way,” Finer told ABC News “This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But I will tell you, we’re preparing for every possibility just as we did in advance of April 13 when Iran attacked Israel, and the United States and a coalition of our partners and allies worked with Israel to defeat that attack.”
The Pentagon on Friday announced it was sending an additional fighter squadron and more warships to the Middle East to help defend Israel should Iran react militarily to the assassination, which Iran has blamed on Israel.
Finer said the U.S. is “working very hard to de-escalate this situation diplomatically.”
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As tensions continue to escalate between the United States and Iran, the US government is taking proactive measures to prepare for all potential scenarios in response to potential Iranian retaliation. The recent killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by a US drone strike has raised concerns about possible retaliatory actions from Iran, including cyber attacks, missile strikes, and attacks on US interests abroad.
In response to these concerns, the US military has increased its presence in the Middle East and has deployed additional troops to the region. The Pentagon has also put its forces on high alert and is closely monitoring Iranian activities. Additionally, the US has urged American citizens to exercise caution and be vigilant while traveling in the region.
The US government has also been working closely with its allies in the region, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, to coordinate a unified response to any potential Iranian aggression. The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not hesitate to take further military action if necessary to protect American interests and ensure the safety of its citizens.
In addition to military preparations, the US government is also taking steps to protect its critical infrastructure from potential cyber attacks. The Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings about the possibility of Iranian cyber attacks on US targets, including government agencies, financial institutions, and energy companies. The US Cyber Command is actively monitoring Iranian cyber activities and is prepared to respond to any threats.
Despite these preparations, there is still uncertainty about how Iran will choose to retaliate. Some experts believe that Iran may opt for a more measured response in order to avoid further escalation, while others fear that Iran may launch a direct military attack on US forces in the region.
As tensions continue to mount, it is clear that the US is taking the threat of Iranian retaliation seriously and is prepared to respond to any potential threats. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, but the US government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens both at home and abroad.
