‘Spectacular, embarrassing failure’: White House on Iran attack on Israel

Washington:

The White House said Monday that Iran’s massive air strikes on Israel were a “spectacular and embarrassing failure” after U.S. forces helped shoot down most of the missiles and drones launched by Tehran.

“I’ve seen reports that the Iranians were destined to fail, and that this spectacular and embarrassing failure was intentional,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told a news conference.

“I also see Iran saying they provide early warning to help Israel prepare its defenses and limit any potential damage. All of this is absolutely false,” he added.

U.S. officials have previously said Iran sent a message to Washington via Switzerland that they intended to respond to an Israeli strike in Syria that killed a top Iranian general.

But Kirby said suggestions that Tehran had communicated the timing or targets of the attack in advance were “ridiculous”.

He added that the attack demonstrated Iran’s “clear intention to cause significant damage and casualties.”

US President Joe Biden has declared “irresponsible” support for Israel’s defense, but the White House has said it does not want an escalation or a wider Middle East war.

Kirby said, however, that it was “Israel’s decision” as to whether and how to respond.

Asked whether Biden urged Israel to show restraint after successfully thwarting an Iranian attack, Kirby said the president “urged the prime minister to think about that success itself and what it means for other countries in the region.”

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