US 'Confirms' Israel Seizes Illicit Shipment Of Iranian Arms Eurasia Review
The US independently confirmed Wednesday that Israel has seized a ship that it claims contained illicit Iranian arms.
“I can confirm the reports that the Israeli Government interdicted a shipment of illicit Iranian arms. The United States and Israel have had routine communications about this issue through intelligence and military channels, as well as through our national security advisors,” said Jen Psaki, US State Department spokeperson, speaking at a press conference.
Psaki declined to outline all the details, however she added, “we have confirmed the details that the Israelis have put out there.”
Psaki later said that soon after becoming aware of the imminent movement of the suspected vessel, the White House directed the Department of Defense to monitor the vessel and to develop concepts of operation for a range of options in order to be prepared to take unilateral steps if necessary.
“This is part of, of course, a robust effort on the part of the Administration,” Psaki said, adding, “We were closely coordinated, our intelligence and military activities, with the – with our Israeli counterparts, who ultimately chose to take the lead with this case.”
According to Psaki, even as the US continues efforts to resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear program through diplomacy, “we will continue to stand up to Iran’s support for destabilizing activities in the region in coordination with our partners and allies.”
“There are still details that are – have not yet been confirmed about this specific case, which we’re watching, of course, and monitoring closely,” Psaki said.
