Washington/Jerusalem: General Kenneth McKenzie, head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), has announced that the United States is ready to defend its friends and partners in the region if Iran launches an attack. Iran is threatening to assassinate senior US military officials to avenge the killing of Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani. The reaction of the US CENTCOM Commander comes in response to the threat. Meanwhile, General Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reportedly paid a secret visit to Israel as even Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). General Milley’s visit is speculated to be a warning to Iran.  

Major General Qassem Soleimani, the Commander of Iran’s Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq at the start of the year. Fuelled by Soleimani’s killing, Iran had threatened to assassinate senior US military officials stationed in the Middle East as also launch attacks on US allies. Next month marks the first anniversary of Soleimani’s death. Given the occasion, it is claimed that Iran could launch attacks on US officials and soldiers. While speaking about the upcoming death anniversary, General McKenzie said the US is prepared to react to such attacks from Iran.  

General McKenzie asserted the US is ready to retaliate to attacks by Iran or Iran-backed groups from the Middle East. At the same time, the CENTCOM Commander also said he had paid a visit to Iraq and Syria, ignoring threats from Iran. During his visit to Iraq, Gen McKenzie discussed counterterrorism action. As the CENTCOM Commander was responding to Iran’s threat, the Israeli media revealed information about the US military chief’s secret visit.  

Last week, General Milley was on tour to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Afghanistan and Israel. During his visit to Israel, the US General met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and military chief Aviv Kochavi. However, details on discussions in the meeting have not been released.  

Only a few days ago, the US deployed USS Nimitz in the Indian Ocean and B-52 bombers in the Middle East. In such a scenario, General Milley’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel against Iran, and General McKenzie’s announcement are nothing short of warnings to Iran. 

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