‘Uptick’ in rocket attacks against U.S. forces in Middle East, says White House

The White House said Monday it has seen an “uptick” in drone and rocket attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East by Iranian proxy groups.

White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that the Defense Department is bolstering U.S. forces in the region to deter future attacks and de-escalate the situation.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential for any significant escalation of these attacks,” Mr. Kirby said. “At the direction of President Biden, the secretary of defense has ordered the military to take steps to prepare for this to ensure that we are postured appropriately, both in terms of being able to defend our forces and respond decisively as needed.” 

Drones and rockets targeted two military bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq last week, the latest in a series of attacks after Iraqi militants warned Washington against intervening in the war between Hamas and Israel.

“We know Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah and 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 for their own good and for that of Iran,” Mr. Kirby said. “We know Iran’s goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we are not going to allow them to do that.” 

Mr. Kirby said the administration is sending more forces into the region. On Saturday, the Pentagon ordered an aircraft carrier to move into the Central Command of responsibility in the Middle East.

As the war between Israel and Hamas ramps up, fears are mounting at the White House and Congress that Iran will try to escalate the conflict through its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah.