Live updates: Leavitt gives testy briefing amid Iran strikes; Trump to endorse in Texas Senate race ‘soon’

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has come to the defense of the United States’ evacuation efforts in the Middle East, following the announcement of “more and larger” strikes on Iran by top military officials. In a press conference on Wednesday, Leavitt addressed concerns about the ongoing attacks and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting American citizens and interests in the region.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine had earlier spoken about the necessity of these strikes, citing Iran’s continued aggression and threats towards the United States and its allies. Caine emphasized the need for a strong and decisive response to protect the safety and security of the American people.

Leavitt echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. has a responsibility to defend itself and its allies against any threats posed by Iran. She also emphasized that the strikes were not meant to escalate tensions, but rather to deter further aggression from the Iranian regime.

The recent attacks on Iran come after a series of provocations by the country, including the downing of a U.S. drone and attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. These actions have been condemned by the international community and have raised concerns about the safety of the region.

In light of these events, the U.S. has taken swift and decisive action to protect its interests and ensure the safety of its citizens. The evacuation efforts have been a crucial part of this response, with the government working tirelessly to bring American citizens and personnel out of harm’s way.

Leavitt praised the efforts of the military and diplomatic personnel involved in the evacuation, stating that their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in ensuring the safety of those in the region. She also expressed gratitude to the countries that have offered assistance in this process.

The White House press secretary also addressed concerns about the impact of these strikes on innocent civilians in Iran. She assured that every effort is being made to minimize collateral damage and that the strikes are targeted at specific military sites and installations.

Leavitt also emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the tensions with Iran. She stated that the government is open to diplomatic talks and hopes that Iran will choose to de-escalate the situation and engage in productive dialogue.

The ongoing attacks on Iran have sparked debates and discussions about the U.S.’s role in the Middle East and its foreign policy. However, Leavitt made it clear that the government’s actions are solely aimed at protecting American interests and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

In conclusion, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s defense of the U.S. evacuation efforts in the Middle East highlights the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens and allies. The strikes on Iran are a necessary response to the country’s aggression and the government remains dedicated to finding a peaceful resolution to the tensions. The safety and security of the American people will continue to be the top priority for the U.S. government in the face of any threats posed by Iran.

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