Kamala Harris/ Iran missile attack/ Israel defense/ U.S.-Middle East relations/ Hezbollah conflict/ election 2024/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. presidential candidate Kamala Harris labeled Iran as a “dangerous” and “destabilizing” force in the Middle East. She expressed full U.S. commitment to Israel’s security following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, vowing that Washington would continue to stand with Israel and disrupt Iran’s aggressive actions.
Kamala Harris Denounces Iran’s Role in Middle East, Reaffirms U.S.-Israel Alliance: Quick Looks
- Harris Condemns Iran: Kamala Harris labeled Iran a “dangerous and destabilizing” force in the region.
- U.S. Support for Israel: Harris expressed unwavering support for Israel’s defense capabilities.
- Response to Missile Attack: The U.S. and Israel were able to neutralize Iran’s missile strike, Harris said.
- Continued U.S. Commitment: She pledged that the U.S. would work with allies to counter Iran’s aggression.
Harris Calls Iran a ‘Destabilizing Threat,’ Reaffirms US Commitment to Israel
Deep Look
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election, made strong remarks on Tuesday, labeling Iran a “destabilizing” and “dangerous” force in the Middle East. Her comments followed a missile attack on Israel launched by Iran earlier that day, in response to Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. This marked a significant escalation in an already volatile region.
In a statement, Harris reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Israel’s security. “I’m clear-eyed that Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East,” Harris said. She went on to emphasize that under her leadership, the U.S. would always ensure that Israel has the necessary tools to defend itself from threats posed by Iran and its affiliates.
Harris specifically highlighted her support for President Joe Biden’s decision to authorize U.S. military intervention in helping Israel defend against the missile barrage. “I fully support President Biden’s order for the U.S. military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel,” she said, adding that initial reports indicated Israel, with U.S. assistance, successfully neutralized the attack.
Escalating Conflict in Lebanon and Gaza
Harris’ remarks came amid growing concerns over the widening conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah fighters, a group backed by Iran. The conflict has displaced over a million people in Lebanon and led to hundreds of deaths, further destabilizing the region.
In addition to the fighting in Lebanon, Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, following Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The Gaza war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, according to Palestinian health officials, and has raised serious humanitarian concerns. While Israel defends its actions as necessary to dismantle Hamas, accusations of genocide have surfaced, though Israel has strongly denied such claims.
U.S. Response to Iran’s Aggression
Harris made it clear that the U.S. would continue working with international partners to curb Iran’s aggressive actions, which she said include backing terrorist militias across the region. “We will work with our allies to disrupt Iran’s aggressive behavior,” she promised, pointing to the broader goal of containing Iranian influence in the Middle East.
Her comments come as voters in the U.S. prepare to make a decision between Harris and former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Both candidates have highlighted foreign policy as a critical issue in the final weeks of their campaigns, with each presenting a distinct vision for America’s role in the Middle East.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, along with the war in Gaza, has intensified focus on how each candidate plans to manage U.S. foreign relations and the potential for broader regional conflict. With tensions escalating, the actions and rhetoric of both Harris and Trump will be under scrutiny as voters assess their leadership capabilities.
