Pentagon: We have conveyed our seriousness in response to Iran through various channels

A spokesman for the US Department of Defense said on Thursday, January 13, regarding rocket attacks on American positions and bases in Iraq, "We take these threats very seriously and have conveyed our seriousness to the Iranians through various channels."

Referring to the rocket launch into the Green Zone in Baghdad, John Kirby said: "Reports indicate that there was another indirect fire, this one in the Green Zone. We believe that a small number of rockets were fired. We are assessing the damage and also assessing the safety and well-being of our people."

Asked whether previous deterrent strikes by US forces appeared to have had no effect, he said: "I have said this before that we will do whatever we have to do to protect our people. If we are to respond, it will be at a time and place of our choosing."

The US Department of Defense spokesman added: "We are aware that these attacks are continuing. These attacks are intended to cause harm and loss of life, and we take that very seriously. And we have conveyed that message and told the Iranians how serious we are about this."

Asked whether the message was indirect or how it was conveyed, John Kirby said: "I'll just say that we've made it clear how serious we are about this. I'm not going to say anything more than that."

When asked about an animation published by the website of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran depicting a drone strike that killed former US President Donald Trump, a Pentagon spokesman said he had nothing to say about it, but would look into the matter and respond at another time.

Source: Voice of America