Kerry reaffirms support of Israel
According to the State Department, Kerry phones to reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to the security of Israel. Kerry and Netanyahu discussed a number of issues, including worries about reports of possible future Russian military buildup in Syria.
The secetary and the prime minister reiterated the need to continue pushing back on Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, and he agreed to continue to have these discussions in the coming weeks. The secretary reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security and continued military and security relationship.
Kerry endorses Iran deal
During testimony to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Kerry says that while he understands Israel’s fears about the Iran deal, putting the agreement in place will make Israel, and the entire area more secure. He also provided reassurance as to the U.S. role in the region after the agreement is in place, pointing out the high level of cooperation between the U.S. and Israel:
The US [will] continue to push back against Iran’s other activities. It[is] much easier to push back against an Iran that doesn’t have a nuclear weapon the agreement will ensure. Washington’s current level of security cooperation with Israel is unprecedented and the US will continue to maintain its robust security presence in the region.
Israel says ‘threats’ won’t stop opposition
Israeli officials call comments from Senator Kerry that Israel will be even more isolated internationally should Congress fail to pass the Iran nuclear agreement a “thinly veiled efforts to muzzle criticism”. Israeli officials state they will not stop publicly lobbying against the nuclear agreement with Iran.
We reject the threats directed at Israel in recent days.
Iran says Kerry using empty threats
Iran accuses Kerry of threatening military action against Tehran if it does not hold true to a nuclear deal agreed to on 14 July. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Zarif:
Unfortunately the US Secretary of State once again talked about the rotten rope of ‘the ability of the US for using military force.’ [I decry] the uselessness of such empty threats against the nation of Iran and the resistance of the nation of Iran. Such remarks should be consigned to the last century. Kerry and other US officials “have repeatedly admitted that these threats have no effect on the will of the people of Iran and that it will change the situation to their disadvantage. Therefore, it would be better for Americans to abandon their old habit and put aside once and for all their threatening language and sanctions against this great people.
U.S. sends aid
U.S. sends disaster team and promises $1 million in aid to help Nepal and surrounding areas recover from the devastating earthquake. Secretary of State Kerry:
We are working closely with the government of Nepal to provide assistance and support. Ambassador Bodde has issued a disaster declaration in order to immediately release an initial $1 million for humanitarian assistance. USAID is preparing to deploy a Disaster Assistance Response Team and is activating an Urban Search and Rescue Team to accompany disaster experts and assist with assessments of the situation.
‘Kinetic military action’
Kerry says the U.S. is not fighting a war against ISIS, but is engaged in a counterterrorism campaign. Commenting after Obama’s primetime speech indicates the government is considering expanding airstrikes into Syria:
Look, we’re engaged in a counterterrorism operation of a significant order. And counterterrorism operations can take a long time, they go on. I think ‘war’ is the wrong reference term with respect to that, but obviously it involves kinetic military action
Kerry: Fight may take years
Kerry says that the U.S. needs to combat ISIS without putting boots on the ground:
We need to attack them in ways that prevent them from taking over territory, to bolster the Iraqi security forces and others in the region who are prepared to take them on, without committing troops of our own.
It may take years to defeat the group:
We’re convinced in the days ahead we have the ability to destroy Isis. It may take a year, it may take two years, it may take three years. But we are determined.
Kerry dismisses election
On a visit to Lebanon, Secretary of State Kerry declares the Syrian election meaningless and says it will have no impact on U.S. policy. Kerry says the United States continues to support a political solution to the Syrian crisis and announces a contribution of $290 million in humanitarian aid.
The elections are non-elections. A great big zero. Nothing has changed between the day before the election and after.