White House-Iran Threat To Israel "Real" And "Viable"

Wires carrying comments from White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby regarding the situation in Gaza and security tensions in the region. On Iran/Israel tensions Kirby states that Iran's threats to strike Israel are still "real" and "viable...We're watching it very, very closely." Asked on possible US-Iran communication on the issue Kirby demurs, saying that he will not "speak to the details of diplomatic communications." Says that "Our commitment to Israel's security remains unwavering."

• Says that "We are still waiting on a response from Hamas after the latest round of hostage talks." Says that the US "cannot verify the Hamas claim that they do not have 40 Israeli hostages".
• On aid to gaza Kirby says that "more than 1,000 trucks got into Gaza in the last few days...We are seeing the Israelis do what they committed to do on additional crossings in Gaza." He adds, though, that "It is still not enough."
• Al Jazeera carrying comments from an unnamed US official claiming that 'reports about the possibility of Iran launchin nan attack on Israel today, Friday, are not yet confirmed', and that 'We are moving additional military capabilities to the region to enhance regional deterrence and measures to protect our forces."
• In 2020, following the assassination of Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani, Iran launched missile attacks on bases hosting US forces in Iraq. As such, the US may be concerned that an Iranian retaliation to the Israeli strike on its consular building in Damascus could end up in an upsurge in regional conflict that risks US forces.