Washington:
President Joe Biden said Thursday that the conflicts between Iran and Pakistan this week prove that Iran is unpopular in the area and that the White House does not desire an escalation.
Pakistan attacked separatist militants in Iran on Thursday in retaliation two days after Tehran said it hit another group’s strongholds in Pakistan.
Iran is unpopular throughout the region, and we’re working on that. Where does that go? “Biden said.
The US and Iran are at odds over Iran’s support for Yemeni Houthi militants who have attacked Red Sea commercial vessels.
White House national security spokeswoman John Kirby told reporters on Air Force One as Biden flew to North Carolina that Washington is closely monitoring the Iran-Pakistan conflict.
We want to avoid escalation in South and Central Asia. “We communicate with Pakistan,” Kirby said.
Kirby said Iran’s attack on Pakistan was another destabilizing act.
