US does not want wider war with Iran, seeks de-escalation in Middle East crisis, White House says

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A man walks past a mural depicting the US President Joe Biden as a superhero defending Israel on a street in Tel Aviv on April 14. Photo: AP

Published: 11:51pm, 14 Apr 2024

The United States does not want to see an escalation of the crisis in the Middle East, a top White House official said on Sunday after Israel repelled a massive missile and drone attack from Iran.

“We don’t want to see this escalate,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said on NBC’s “Meet the Press”. “We’re not looking for a wider war with Iran.”

Israel was on high alert Sunday after Iran’s unprecedented attack sparked fears of a broader conflict.

Iran launched its first-ever direct assault on Israeli territory late Saturday in retaliation for a deadly strike by Israeli forces on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1.

It marked a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes.

US President Joe Biden has reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” support for Israel while appearing to guide its staunch ally away from a military response.