The Investment Whisperer
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Investing
  • World

The Investment Whisperer

Politics

Biden official gets heated in clash with reporter who asks if US has escalated Gaza war with Red Sea presence

by admin January 4, 2024
January 4, 2024
Biden official gets heated in clash with reporter who asks if US has escalated Gaza war with Red Sea presence

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby got heated in an exchange with a reporter who suggested the United States has provoked Iran with its naval presence in the Middle East.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, the reporter asked Kirby if President Biden has widened and escalated the Israel-Hamas war by deploying naval forces to counter attacks by Iran-backed proxy groups on shipping vessels.

‘That’s certainly turning things upside down, isn’t it?’ a bewildered Kirby responded. ‘Wouldn’t you consider provocation launching ballistic missiles and drones at commercial [vessels]?’

There have been roughly two dozen attacks on international shipping by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen since Oct. 19. The Houthis say their attacks are aimed at Israel-linked ships to stop the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Most recently, the Houthis struck a Maersk container vessel on Saturday. Following that attack, a U.S.-led coalition of 13 maritime nations has vowed consequences for the Houthis should they continue to harass vessels in the Red Sea.

Last month, the U.S. announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international initiative to protect commercial ships traveling through the Red Sea. Since then, approximately 1,200 merchant ships have traveled through the region, and none had been hit by drone or missile strikes until Saturday.

Kirby said Prosperity Guardian is a ‘defensive posture’ adopted in response to the Houthi attacks.

‘So you’re denying then that there has been an escalation since the Red Sea patrol,’ the reporter asked.

‘I totally disagree with the premise of your question,’ Kirby replied. ‘It wasn’t the United States who decided to attack commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis did that. And who are the Houthis backed by? Iran. As I’ve said before, Iran provided the missiles the Houthis are using. We are simply in a defensive posture to protect that commercial shipping and we have in the last 48 hours.’ 

Undeterred, the reporter challenged Kirby and pointed out that Iran launched a frigate into the Red Sea in apparent response to the U.S. 

‘I ask you again, has the United States’ actions supported an escalation as a result?’ she said. 

‘No,’ Kirby answered. 

The U.S.-led coalition opposed to the Houthi attacks consists of the U.K., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands and New Zealand. In a joint statement, the nations called attacks on trade in the Red Sea ‘unacceptable’ and ‘illegal.’ 

Currently, there are five warships from the U.S., France and the U.K. patrolling the waters of the southern Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden. The ships have so far shot down a total of 17 drones and four anti-ship ballistic missiles.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
AI Market 2023 Year-End Review
next post
Blackburn demands Durbin subpoena unredacted Epstein flight logs as Senate Judiciary Committee’s ‘first act’

Related Posts

Democratic doctors’ protest against Trump’s ‘beautiful bill’ derailed...

July 3, 2025

Fox News Poll: Voters divided over what US...

December 18, 2023

Harris’ support for Palestinian state rewards terrorism, experts...

September 12, 2024

China releases 3 ‘wrongfully detained’ Americans, White House...

November 28, 2024

Josh Shapiro, Tim Walz: Most Americans have never...

August 7, 2024

Israeli airstrike on Rafah kills 2 top Hamas...

May 27, 2024

FBI calls for public tips on children hurt...

June 3, 2025

AI cameras are giving DC’s air defense a...

December 22, 2024

Iran faces August deadline to accept comprehensive nuclear...

July 17, 2025

Biden appeases Iran because he’s desperate to beat...

April 17, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Categories

    • Business (1,482)
    • Investing (3,787)
    • Politics (5,069)
    • World (4,762)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheInvestmentWhisperer.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 TheInvestmentWhisperer.com | All Rights Reserved