Live Updates: White House says Iran 'postured and poised' to launch Israel attack

White House spokesperson John Kirby told Israel's Channel 12 on Tuesday that the White House believes Iran is "still postured and poised to launch an attack should they want to do that," adding that Iran's preparedness "is why we have that enhanced force posture in the region," Reuters reported.

Kirby emphasized Washington's wish to avoid a regional war but reaffirmed the White House's support for Israel should a wider war come to pass. "Our messaging to Iran is consistent, has been and will stay consistent. One, don't do it. There's no reason to escalate this. There's no reason to potentially start some sort of all-out regional war. And number two, we are going to be prepared to defend Israel if it comes to that," he said.