Pentagon Press Briefing for 8/13/24

… have any specific updates that I’m able to share right now, Lita, in terms of the locations of the F-18s. As you know, they are in theater obviously as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group. Certainly we’ll keep you updated on that.

(00:16)
In terms of the aid coming into the AOR, I’m just not going to be able to get into timelines In terms of potential overlap. Again, as we’ve highlighted, the secretary has ordered that carrier to accelerate to get to the CENTCOM AOR and it will add to the capabilities that we have in the region.

Right. I think there’s just a little bit of confusion on the word accelerate also. I mean, it goes at a certain speed. Is he cutting out a port call or is he asking it to somehow go faster?

It’s going to move with all haste to get to the AOR, again, to provide this additional capability and capacity.

(00:57)
Okay. Lucas, welcome to the briefing room.

Thank you, General Ryder. Appreciate that. Under what circumstances would US Forces launch an attack on Iran?

Look, our focus is on de-escalating the situation. We have put these additional capabilities into the region to enable us, as I highlighted, to protect our forces, but also to support the defense of Israel should it be attacked. I’m not going to speculate or get into hypotheticals on when and if Iran launches an attack or one of their proxies launches an attack. Their public comments have been very clear so we need to take those seriously. But our focus is on de-escalating tensions, working on enabling that ceasefire, and getting these hostages returned home.

But isn’t it important in this critical time in history that you send a very clear signal to Iran that if they attack, launch a major attack on Israel and/or its proxies, US military will attack Iran. Don’t you need to send a clear signal about what Iran … If they do it, if they cross it, you will attack them.

I think we are sending an extremely clear signal, which is that we are going to support the defense of Israel as evidenced by the capabilities that, one, we already retain in the region, and two, the additional capabilities that we’re flowing into the CENTCOM and EUCOM AOR.

Real quick on Lincoln, the secretary has ordered Lincoln to the Middle East twice now in the past and over 10 days. The first time was two days after the Hamas leader was killed outside … in Tehran. The second time was on Sunday, as you mentioned.

(02:35)
Where was the sense of urgency for Lincoln to get to the Middle East? Lincoln was just doing an exercise with the Italian Navy on Friday. If it was so urgent for Lincoln to get to the Middle East, why did you need the second set of orders?

Well, Lucas as a former naval officer yourself, you understand the complexities and intricacies associated with management of large fleets around the world. And the bottom line is, again, as evidenced by the capabilities that we are surging into the region, we will have a variety of capacity and capability to respond to various contingencies. Again, the focus is on de-escalating the situation, protecting our forces, and supporting the defense of Israel. And we’ll continue …

(03:21)
And this is not a Lucas Tomlinson press conference, so I’m going to go over to Idris.

[inaudible 00:03:25] Iran. If you do this launch, this major attack, the US military will strike back. Why can’t you just clearly say that?

I think we’ve been very clear that we’re going to support the defense of Israel, and I’m not going to speculate about potential future attacks by Iran. Idris?

Just a request first, I think Task and Purpose had an interview with General Vowell, OIR commander. If it would be possible to get him in the briefing room or maybe General Kurilla to talk about the force posture adjustment, I think that’d be [inaudible 00:03:52].

We got to get the T-walls set up though first before we can do that.

That’s on you, right?

Yeah.

Just on the Lincoln though, was a written order given to the crew of the Lincoln regarding the latest ordering or accelerating?

Look, I’m not going to get into the specifics of how the Department of Defense transmit orders to its units. The bottom line is the secretary has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to accelerate its deployment to the CENTCOM AOR. And I’m just going to leave it at that,

I guess, I think what we’re confused about is what does that mean? Because if you give an order, saying, going somewhere, presumably they’re going as fast as they can. And what it sounds like is maybe this was more public messaging than an actual legitimate military order.

It’s a legitimate military order and it’s accelerating on its mission to get to the CENTCOM AOR. And again, I’m not going to get into the in-between of when the initial order was given and what they may or may not have been doing in between then. Other than to say again, I think you need to take a step back and look at what we’re attempting to do here, which is to de-escalate tensions in the region, ensure that our commanders that are in the region have the capabilities and capacity to respond to a variety of threats.

Can you actually say it is now going to arrive in CENTCOM earlier than it was previously?

Yeah, I’m not going to get into the specifics of the deployment timelines.

You can that the confusion it’s causing, right?

It’s not confusing to me. It’s accelerating. Yes, sir.

Thank you, General. Would it be a fair assessment to say that Israel cannot defend itself on own and that’s why they need the US military support in the region against Iran and its proxies?

Well, the US and Israel have shared a longstanding security relationship, and we’ve been very clear, even before October seven, on the US support for Israel, supporting its qualitative military edge. But also post-October seven have been very, very clear in terms of our ironclad support for the defense of Israel. And so as you saw on April 13 when Iran conducted its unprecedented attack, the United States, true to its word, supported the defense of Israel.

Just one more. Is this a just-in-case situation or is this military support indispensable? Because you’ve got the F-35s, F-22, F-18s, 16s, 15s, the warships, the air defense systems, the troops, everything, like the whole nine yards. Is this just in case or indispensable?

Well, again, I’d go back to what I said at the top. And I think it’s important not to look at the individual parts, but look at what it is that we’re trying to do here, which is deter a wider regional conflict, prevent a regional war in a very tense Middle East with Iran threatening to retaliate and to use potentially overwhelming force. And we, again, have been very clear in our commitment to aid in the defense of Israel.

(06:57)
No one wants to see escalation, no one wants to see a wider regional conflict. So hopefully you don’t find ourselves in a situation of having to employ those capabilities. But if we need to in the defense of Israel, we will. And so just leave it there. Charlie.

Yes. Whatever term we want to use in terms of accelerating, it’s still going to take a while, seven to 10 days. I know you don’t want to talk about timelines, but perhaps more urgently and something that’s already in the neighborhood is the submarine. The fact that it was announced, what does it bring to this fight?

It’s a nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, provides, again, additional capabilities to the commanders, the US commanders in the region, in terms of not only supporting the defense of Israel, but also protecting our forces.

(07:49)
And again, the message here is deterring potential aggression. It’s not unprecedented that we will highlight the movement of submarines. But again, it’s important to look at this in the context of the broader US military force posture in the region, which is to help protect our forces, support the defense of Israel, and again, deter aggression and aim to de-escalate the situation.

Capable of carrying as many as 175 Tomahawk cruise missiles?

Look, the United States military is the most powerful in the world. We have these capabilities. And again, I’m not going to belabor the point, but the goal here is to de-escalate the situation and ensure that we can support the defense of Israel, should we need to do that. Janne?

Thank you, General. Two questions on the, is the establishment of the strategic command, does the Pentagon support the completion of the establishment of the South Korean military strategic command? And I have another. And can we expect the establishment of the

They integrated strategic command?

Well, certainly, that’s a decision for the Republic of Korea to make, to determine whether or not they stand up a strategic command. As it relates to that new organization as I understand it, it will primarily interact with US Forces Korea, which is how the US military interacts with the Republic of Korea. But as you know, we are close allies and we will continue to work together very closely when it comes to the defense of the Peninsula and broader regional security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Great. One more. North Korea attended Russia’s Defensive Weapons Exhibition, and Iran and China also are participating in this exhibition. What are your concerns about the expansion of arms cooperation between North Korea and Russia, and the cooperation between Iran and China with Russia?

Well, look, I’m not going to comment on the Weapons Expo per se, but we again, closely monitor these relationships and do have concerns, particularly as it relates to Russia, as it seeks to procure arms and munitions from these countries to support its war against Ukraine. So it’s something that we’re going to continue to keep a close eye on. Yes, sir.

Thank you, General, two questions on Syria. There were reports about the drone attack on the Iranian-backed groups in Syria, which a war monitor reported that five members of this pro-Iranian militia killed in Deir al-Zor this Sunday. Were the US engaged in this strike?

I don’t have anything on that.

On the same issue. I’m sure you’re following the conflicts between Syrian Democratic Forces and the Iranian-backed group’s in Syria. So what’s the Pentagon position on this? What’s your comment on that? And does the US gives any support to the Syrian Democratic Forces in their fight against the Iranian-backed groups in Syria?

Look, the US forces that are in Syria and our focus in Syria is on the enduring defeat of ISIS, and that will continue to remain our focus. As you know, the SDF have been good partners in that fight, essential partners in that fight, and that continues to be the basis for our relationship and our cooperation with the SDF.

Their fight with the Iranian-backed groups in Syria, they railed their folks on the ISIS mission. So do you concern when the Syrian regime forces and also the Iranian-backed forces are fighting with your partners, this will affect your mission in Syria?

Well, look, Syria, given the fact that much of it is essentially considered ungoverned space for many years now, which is what has enabled groups like ISIS to foment, continues to be a challenge. But the US presence in Syria and our focus in Syria is on the enduring defeat of ISIS, and so that will continue to remain our focus. Let me go back to Joe.

Thank you, General Ryder. When you say we’re moving assets to the region to defend Israel, could you explain to us that using the term “defend Israel”, does it mean the mission or the US role in the region would be intercepting the incoming missiles or maybe taking offensive actions? Could you emphasize on that?

Yeah, look, it hasn’t changed since Hamas’s attack on October 7th in terms of the role that the United States has played in supporting the defense of Israel. The United States is not looking to engage in offensive operations and again, potentially spark a wider regional conflict. Our focus is on de-escalating tensions, and that’s been a focus ever since Hamas brutally killed 1,200 Israeli citizens and took over 250 hostages. And so we will continue to stay very focused on that.

(13:19)
But as what you saw on April 13th when Iran conducted its missile and drone attack against Israel, demonstrated the types of activities that Iran is considering, and we’ve been very clear that our support for the defense of Israel will be ironclad. And so we need to be prepared to respond to a variety of contingencies, which requires a variety of capabilities. And because the United States military possesses those types of capabilities, and more importantly, our service members are the best in the world, we will continue to stay focused on not only, again, protecting our forces, but supporting our commitment to helping the defense of Israel.

Great. Follow up. Does the Pentagon believe that the deterrence is working in the region?

So far, Joe, what I would tell you is that it’s our assessment that the conflict between Israel and Hamas has been contained to Gaza. Certainly, that’s not to say that there are not incredible tensions in the region and that the situation right now in the Middle East is very serious, which is why we’re taking it so seriously, which is why Secretary Austin has ordered additional capabilities into the region. Thank you. Joe.

Thanks. Yesterday, the White House said that an Iranian attack or retaliation could come within days or this week. So one, do you share this assessment? Then two, when asked if Iran or some of its proxies including Hezbollah in Lebanon have moved any of their assets or put certain rockets, missiles, drones into position, or if they’ve moved those into position to attack, we refer it to the Pentagon. So have you guys seen any movement?

Yeah, and your second question, I’m just not going to get into intelligence on what we may be seeing. On your first question, is an attack possible this week? That’s certainly possible. The bottom line is I’m not going to speculate or try to guess when they might attack other than to say we need to take it seriously and we are doing that, and so we will be prepared and are prepared.

Second, on the attacks on US troops, we’ve seen several in the last few weeks, but in two separate attacks, troops have been injured or wounded. We have not seen a US response. Is part of the reasoning for that because of the tense situation in the Middle East that you’ve mentioned during this briefing or has the US decided not to respond to this?

Yeah, look, I’ll repeat what Secretary Austin said during his press briefing last week, which is that we won’t tolerate attacks against our forces and we’ll take all necessary steps to protect our forces. But in terms of a response, as always, we will respond in a time and manner of our choosing. And I’ll just leave it at that.

The current situation, is that being taken into account by the Department?

Look, I’m not going to have anything to provide beyond what I just said. Carla.

Thanks, Pat. Is USS Georgia in CENTCOM now?

It is not.

Okay. And then on the attacks in Syria, on Rumalyn Landing Zone, who is responsible for those attacks?

So we assess that it was conducted by Iranian-backed militia, but we’re still digging into the specifics of that. So thank you. Let me go to the phone here real quick. Chris Gordon, Air & Space.

Thanks, Pat. The Abraham Lincoln is headed to CENTCOM from the Pacific. The Theodore Roosevelt was previously in the Indo-Pacific. The flareup in the Middle East has now gone on in some form for most of a year. Is the DoD appropriately postured for tensions in the Pacific and the Middle East over the long term? Thank you.

Yeah, thanks, Chris. The bottom line is yes. The thing about the US military as you’re seeing this week, is that we have the ability to surge forces and capabilities to where we need them when we need them. The Indo-Pacific Command continues to be our priority theater, and that is indicative of the number of forces that we have that are located within the region. And so again, we’re going to move forces where we need them, when we need them. But I can tell you and be rest assured that the Indo-Pacific has a significant number of US forces to support our commitments

… Toward that end. Thank you. Let me go to Heather, USNI.

Similar question, but focus on the Middle East, with the fact that the TR is going to take probably around two weeks to get to the Middle East. Does the United States feel confidence with the amount of resources that they have in the Middle East if Iran were to attack before TR gets there?

Do you mean the Abraham?

Sorry. Yes, Abraham.

Yeah, I mean, again, we already maintain a significant amount of capabilities within the US Central Command and European Command regions. And so, these additive capabilities will just make that more robust.

(18:41)
Okay. Let me come back to the room. Warren?

Why isn’t the USS Georgia in CENTCOM yet? It was in the Med, so it’s certainly within range to have gotten to CENTCOM already.

I’m not going to get into the specifics of its location and timelines. Again, it is been ordered to the Central Command area of responsibility. Sir?

Thank you so much, General. I have a question on Afghanistan. In two days from now, it’s going to be the third anniversary of a US complete withdrawal from Afghanistan and the fall of previous government. General, what is the assessment of Pentagon, after three years, over Afghanistan? Is the ISIS-K and also the Taliban or some faction of the Taliban, like [inaudible 00:19:27], to the national security of the United States or not?

So just to make sure I clarify, you’re asking about the terrorist threat emanating from-

Yes.

Afghanistan?

Yes, indeed.

Well, it’s definitely something that we continue to keep a close eye on. You have various terrorist groups which operate in and around Afghanistan, to include ISIS-K, and so we maintain a variety of capabilities to include over the horizon capabilities should we need to do that. But I think most importantly is, we’ll continue to work with our partners in the region when it comes to addressing terrorism, through our mutual counter counter-terrorism efforts.

On Iran, a question. So the Israeli officials said that they will attack inside Iran if Iran does retaliate in any form and way. So does the United States support that, that Israeli will attack inside Iran if Iran does anything?

Well, look, again, I don’t want to get into hypotheticals at this stage, right now our focus is on deescalating tensions in the region, so.

Any progress on deescalating?

There hasn’t been a conflict yet, so we’ll stay after it. All right.

(20:49)
Sir.

Thank you sir. The Counterterrorism Chief of United Nations, said that Europe is facing a big threat from ISIS-K. He also mentioned that the same group was involved in terrorizing the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, last week. All these terrorists are based in Afghanistan, is it a concern, because they’re also involved in the attacks on Pakistan security forces? What kind of measures are being taken to prevent the expansion of this terror group?

Yeah, well, I mean, as evidenced by the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS, it does remain a threat. And you’ve seen the United States work very closely with many nations around the world, to address ISIS, whether it’s in Europe, Asia, and also, as you’ve seen, in Iraq and Syria. And there’s also manifestations of ISIS in the African continent. So we will continue to work with our partners and allies around the world, to address the ISIS threat wherever we see it.

The Pakistan Security Forces arrested a senior Al-Qaeda leader, recently moved from Afghanistan to Pakistan. Pakistan investigators claim that this terrorist was a close associate of its founder, Osama Bin Laden. Is it a concern that Al-Qaeda is also gaining strength in Afghanistan?

Al-Qaeda, as you know, has been greatly diminished over the years but is not gone. And so again, similarly to ISIS-K and other groups that present a potential security threat to the United States and our allies and partners, we’ll continue to stay very focused on addressing that threat.

(22:24)
Let me take just another one from the phone here. Jared, from Al-Monitor.

Hi Pat. Seems Iran and Hezbollah, if they are going to stage a retaliation, they obviously haven’t done so yet, I’m wondering if you can attribute that to anything. I mean, does the department have any reason to believe that this is a part of their retaliation or that the plus ups of US assets in the region may be causing some second thoughts there? Thanks.

Yeah, thanks Jared. I mean, that’s really a question for Iran to answer. I can tell you again, what our focus is and on what we’re doing and it’s working very hard with our partners in the inter-agency and our regional partners to deescalate the situation and deter potential aggression.

(23:12)
Okay, take a couple more. Let me get to Louis.

Thank you. Blast from the past here, JLOTS’s question. There was some aid that was awaiting transport into the Gaza area before the JLOTS’s mission ended. Has, well, maybe I’m premature in saying it’s ended. Has that aid been delivered and what is the status of the coordination cell, if that is the case?

So what I’m tracking literally right now, is that the motor vessel, Cape Trinity, has approximately 6 million pounds of aid on it, currently in Cyprus awaiting movement to Ashdod. And so that, as we’ve said before, that vessel or some of those vessels would participate in helping to deliver some of the final aid from Cyprus into Israel, en route to Gaza. Yeah, so.

So does that mean that there is more aid still in Cyprus-

No.

Or this is it?

No, that’s-

So this is the last one?

My understanding is that. Now, of course, I would commend you to talk to USAID about the broader humanitarian aid deliveries, but as I understand it, that’s the remainder of the aid.

And then what happens now with the US coordination cell, under General Frank that was there, does it still remain active? Will it continue to enable a different kind of maritime corridor?

Yeah, so my understanding is that CENTCOM will continue to support, in an advisory capacity, some of the best practices that were developed during the JLOTS operation, to include the convoy management board as a way to help ensure that things are being moved. But certainly from a DOD US Military standpoint, I mean, the vast majority of that has now relocated or is in the process of relocating to the States, because of course, JLOTS has stood down.

(25:19)
Okay, thanks. Let me try to get to a couple other folks here. Haven’t got to, Jim.

General, just a quick question on Ukraine. Can you give a lay down on what the US thinking is on the offensive that the Ukrainians have launched? And do you think is that meant to be a permanent sort of operation or is that a raid?

Yeah, Jim, so on that, I mean, that’s really something for the Ukrainians to talk to, I’d refer you to them to talk about their operations. We are in contact with our Ukrainian counterparts to get additional details in terms of their objectives as it relates to their operation. But I don’t have anything beyond that. Thanks.

(26:09)
Sir.

Thank you General Pat. So on an [inaudible 00:26:13] Asad Airbase in Iraq. As you know, the base has been target multiple times by Iranian protists, since last year and resulted in like damages and harm to US personnel. So does the base have sophisticated air system and capabilities to intercept the missiles and drones?

So as I’m sure you can appreciate, I won’t go into the specifics of exactly what we have in terms of air defense or facility defense capabilities, other than to say that that’s something we take incredibly seriously and are constantly assessing those capabilities and ensuring that we’re doing everything we can to protect our forces. That’s not to say though, and history has shown

In this. That our forces often operate in harm’s way and do in dangerous places, and that’s why they’re trained. That’s why we ask them to serve in uniform, and as evidenced by their performance, they do brilliant and important work every single day in defense of our nation. So we’re going to do everything we can to ensure that they have the best when it comes to force protection.

One more, if don’t mind? Have your diplomatic efforts to persuade or stop Iran from launching strikes had any result? I mean, did you receive any message from Iran directly on that?

Yeah, I don’t have anything to provide on that.

A follow-up to the question he had. You said the secretary takes every possible step. Secretary Austin will take every possible step to defend Israel. Does that include taking offensive strikes against Iran?

Look, again, we are focused on supporting the defense of Israel, de-escalating the situation and preventing a broader conflict. I’m not going to get into hypotheticals.

Right.

I’m not going to get into hypotheticals.

Rule it out.

Rule what out?

Taking strikes against Iran.

You’re saying the U.S. taking preemptive strikes?

Not preemptive. If Israel is attacked in a major way.

So you’re getting into hypotheticals. You started it with if, and I’m going to not get into hypotheticals. So thanks.

It’s important to be clear to [inaudible 00:28:31].

Brad. I think we’re being pretty clear, Lucas. We’re sending significant-

I’m not seeing it on camera that you’re being-

I’m being very clear to Lucas and Iran that we are sending significant capabilities in the region to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel and respond to a wide variety of contingencies. If you look at the strategic goal here, is to de-escalate the situation and prevent a wider regional war, and that requires diplomacy, it requires military force presence, and it requires being smart about how we go about doing this. We’re not seeking conflict. We don’t want conflict, but we’re going to do what we need to do to support the defense of Israel and support the protection of our forces. But again, the underlying message here is we’re working to de-escalate tensions. No one wants a wider war. Brad.

Thank you. On Ukraine, can you say if Russia has redeployed troops from the front lines of Eastern Ukraine to defend its borders in Kursk? And if so, is it a significant number of troops?

Yeah, I don’t have anything to provide on that from the podium here, Brad. Again, I’d refer you to the Russian MOD. It’s something that we’re keeping an eye on. Our focus at the end of the day when it comes to Ukraine, is supporting Ukraine and its ability to defend its sovereign territory and to take back sovereign territory within Ukraine. Thanks. Time for just a couple more. I’ll go, Charlie, and then I’ll to you. Yes, sir.

Thank you, General. Changing the topic entirely. We’re following the story about this defense department contractor who’s arrested with a ton of classified documents stolen from this building. Can you shed some light on that?

Seen the press reports on that, but I need to refer you to the Department of Justice for any questions on that.

Can you tell me how serious this breach is?

Yeah, I really just don’t have anything to provide from here. I’d have to refer you to DOJ. Okay. Last question. Yes, sir.

General, you mentioned several times your message that you are looking to de-escalate the tensions in the region. So my question, what we are seeing right now with the military is increasing several parties. Do you believe that diplomatic solution is still possible and do you think that the parties will listening and what’s your message to them?

Look, there is always time for diplomacy to work, and that will continue to be the main effort, certainly for the United States government, in terms of working to de-escalate the situation, implement a ceasefire, and get the hostages home. So as long as there’s hope and there is, we’ll continue to stay focused toward that end. And then, I’m sorry, your second question?

My second question going to be another topic, at least if you wouldn’t mind? There is some reports claiming that the weapon that being used to attack [inaudible 00:31:42] school in Gaza recently was a U.S. made bomb. Do you confirm that, General? And do you believe that Israel is still using the U.S. weapons according to U.S. and international law?

Yeah, when it comes to Israeli employment of munitions, I’d have to refer to them. I don’t have any information to provide. In terms of civilian casualties, as I highlighted at the top, this is something that we continue to take very seriously. It’s something that Secretary Austin has discussed with his Israeli counterpart every single time they talk, highlighting the importance and the moral imperative and the strategic imperative of ensuring that civilian safety and harm mitigation is taken into account in conducting operations.

(32:33)
The bottom line is, way too many civilians have died during this conflict, both Palestinian and Israelis. And so it’s incredibly important that Israel continue to conduct its operations in a way and plan its operations in a way that is taking civilian safety into account. That’s not to say though that Hamas doesn’t bear responsibility as well, and the fact that they conduct their operations and embed their forces amongst the civilian population in places like schools, mosques, hospitals, making it incredibly difficult for Israel to conduct its operations in these areas. So I’ll leave it there. Thank you very-

Just a quick clarification on Louie’s question. That six million pounds that’s on the I think the Cape Trinity, is that part of that 20 million tons that you all keep talking about or is that in addition to it?

The aid that was delivered previously?

Correct. Is that part-

This would be in addition to.

So this is in addition to that. Okay.

Correct, correct.

Thank you.

All right? Thank you very much everybody.