WASHINGTON – The White House publicly called out Iran as rocket and drone barrages launched by Iran-backed militias continued targeting US troops in Iraq and Syria on Monday amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
“We know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict,” White House National Security Council coordinator John Kirby told reporters.
Pentagon press secretary US Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said earlier on Monday that the US has not seen Iranian leadership directly order the militias to launch the renewed spate of attacks. "That said, by virtue of the fact that they are supported by Iran, we will ultimately hold Iran responsible," Ryder said.
The sharpening of Washington's messaging came as the Pentagon continues to rush forces to the region to deter the spread of opportunistic attacks driven by Israel's war in Gaza.
