Goal is to deter Iran, not to start war - Trump officials

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan, left, and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speak to reporters after briefing senators on Iran in Washington REUTERS/James Lawler Duggan

Independent.ie Newsdesk

Top Trump administration officials have told Congress that recent actions by the US in response to the situation in Iran have deterred attacks on American forces.

After a day of closed-door briefings on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said their objective over recent days has been to deter Iran and now they want to prevent further escalation.