US warns Iranian proxies against targeting American interests

WASHINGTON DC - US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce on Friday warned that Iranian proxies in the Middle East will face “dire” consequences should they target American interests. 

“There's also been a reinforcement that Iran and its proxy should not target US interests or personnel, and if they do, the consequences will be dire. So we can reinforce that,” Bruce told Rudaw during a press briefing. 

“And of course, the ultimate red line, which has been repeated constantly, because it's what the president sees as being the most important aspect, is that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That is not a negotiable dynamic,” she added. 

Two pro-Iran Iraqi militia groups on Thursday warned that they would target American interests should the US support Israel in its escalating conflict with Iran or assassinate the Iranian supreme leader.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would make a decision within two weeks about whether the US will become directly involved in Israel’s conflict with Iran.

When asked by reporters in New Jersey on Friday why he was delaying the decision, he replied "To see whether or not people come to their senses."

Israel’s conflict with Iran, which began last Friday with strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military commanders, brought an end to Tehran’s indirect nuclear talks with Washington.

The US has evacuated non-essential personnel from its diplomatic missions in Iraq.