The United States (US) accused Iran of "actively facilitating" attacks on its bases in the Middle East after confirming it had sent a small number of military advisers to Israel.
US concerns are growing about the potential escalation of Israel's regional war in Gaza, although Washington rejected calls for a ceasefire saying its ally Israel has what it calls "the right to self-defense".
More than 5,000 Palestinians have been killed in 16 days of Israel's indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, including at least 200 children.
“Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that Iran closely monitors these events and, in some cases, actively facilitates these attacks and encourages others who may wish to exploit the conflict for their own good or Iran's. ," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House.
“We know Iran's goal is to maintain denial here, but we will not let them do that,” added Kirby as quoted by The New Arab, Tuesday (24/10/2023).
Before the violence erupted, President Joe Biden's administration touted a period of relative calm with pro-Iran militias in the region following talks between US and Iranian officials.
But since Wednesday, at least five rocket and drone attacks have targeted three US military bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed as part of an international coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group.
Iran's Shiite clerical leaders have expressed support for Hamas as well as the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Shiite paramilitary groups in Iraq and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The US itself has promised "unlimited" support to Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7 which killed 1,400 Israelis. Kirby confirmed that the United States had also sent "some" military advisers to Israel.
"The officers have experience in Israeli operations, and may conduct them in the future and be there to share some perspective," said Kirby.
