"Biden Official John Kirby Clashes with Reporters Over U.S. Role in Middle East Tensions"
During a press briefing, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby firmly countered a reporter's suggestion that the U.S. was escalating tensions with Iran by patrolling the Red Sea. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. actions were defensive, aimed at protecting international shipping from attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. The U.S. Navy has engaged in defensive fire with the Houthis, who have targeted commercial ships and U.S. military forces. Kirby denied that U.S. actions have supported an escalation in the region, maintaining that the maritime coalition's posture is purely defensive.