US threatens ‘swift and decisive’ response to any Iran attack

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday
threatened a “swift and decisive” US response to any attack by Iran, in the
latest of a series of escalating statements and actions.
“The regime in Tehran should understand that any
attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or
citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response,” Pompeo said
in a statement.
“Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken
by Iran for a lack of resolve,” he said.
The United States has already announced the
deployment of an aircraft carrier strike group and nuclear-capable bombers to
the region, saying it had information of plans for Iranian-backed attacks.
The moves have frightened some European allies as
well as President Donald Trump's Democratic rivals, who fear the administration
is pushing for war based on hyped-up intelligence.
Pompeo, however, said: “We do not seek war.”
“But Iran's 40 years of killing American soldiers,
attacking American facilities, and taking American hostages is a constant
reminder that we must defend ourselves,” said Pompeo, referencing the 1979
Islamic revolution that transformed Iran from close US ally to sworn foe.
Iran on Wednesday said it would suspend some
commitments under a 2015 nuclear accord rejected by Trump, frustrated that
renewed US sanctions have prevented the country from enjoying the economic
fruits of compliance with the deal.