Washington DC, August 1:
The US characterized Iran as a dictatorship that has "time and again" been the "largest and greatest exporter of terrorism" worldwide and in the Middle East in particular. The United States Department of State has accused Iran of "suppressing its own people" and of financing, supporting, inciting, and maliciously destabilizing actions around the region.

Over and over again since 1979, the Iranian regime has been the leading source of terrorist attacks across the globe, not only in the Middle East. According to Vedant Patel, a deputy spokeswoman for the US State Department, during Wednesday's daily briefing, the country has a history of supporting and engaging in malicious destabilizing actions around the region, in addition to repressing its own citizens.

In addition, he reaffirmed that the United States will defend itself against Iranian threats by standing with its partners and allies.

"Our opinion and point of view on the Iran regime is quite clear and we will not hesitate...not just stand with our allies and partners when it comes to defending against threats from Iran but also taking appropriate action from the United States," Patel said further.

Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, tensions in the Middle East are certain to escalate. The execution of Haniyeh has prompted Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to command a strike on Israel, according to the New York Times, which cited three Iranian officials, including two Revolutionary Guards, who were informed on the order.

Shortly after Iran confirmed Haniyeh's death on Wednesday morning, Khamenei issued the order during an emergency meeting of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

Both Israel and Iran have claimed responsibility for the killing. While Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran's new president, Israel—which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip—has neither confirmed nor denied killing him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that his country has dealt "crushing blows" to its enemies in the past few days, hours after the development.

But Netanyahu refrained from blaming Israel for Haniyeh's murder in his speech to the country. Importantly, Israel has maintained a neutral stance about the involvement of its citizens in Haniyeh's murder. We assaulted Hamas chief Mohammad Deif three weeks ago. Just over two weeks ago, we launched one of the Air Force's most far-reaching attacks against the Houthis. According to the Israeli prime minister, "Yesterday we attacked Hezbollah's military chief, Fuad Shukr."

US State Department: America Will Support Allies Against Iranian Threats