Washington, March 18 (NationPress) The United States is enhancing collaboration with its allies in both Europe and the Gulf region in a bid to safeguard maritime routes and restore vital shipping lanes, as stated by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday.

In her remarks regarding maritime security and the reopening of crucial shipping lanes, Leavitt emphasized that Washington is cooperating closely with its partners. “The President will persist in discussions with our allies, both in Europe and in the Gulf of the Arab region,” she stated.

She highlighted that the US military continues to maintain substantial operational capabilities amidst ongoing tensions. “The US military possesses numerous capabilities, as demonstrated over the past 18 days. They still have strategies up their sleeve,” she noted, while refraining from sharing specific details. “Rest assured, there exists a plan… and we have observed some progress in this regard.”

Leavitt characterized the recent actions taken by the US as part of a wider initiative to mitigate threats from Iran and avert further escalation. “120 naval vessels rest at the bottom of the sea due to the efforts of our United States Armed Forces. That's an impressive achievement,” she remarked, adding that these operations aim to ensure “Iran cannot, under any circumstances, possess a nuclear weapon.”

She reiterated that the administration's immediate priority is to protect US interests and personnel. “Currently, we are making sure that Iran cannot target the United States. The US military is performing exceptionally well,” she asserted.

Regarding diplomatic relations, Leavitt confirmed that a planned presidential visit to China has been deferred, with both parties actively working to find a new date. “We are coordinating with them. They have consented to postpone the trip,” she explained. “The President has domestic matters to address in May… so we will finalize the dates as soon as possible.”

The Press Secretary also commented on Joe Kent's resignation as the leading counterterrorism officer in protest against the Iran conflict, while responding to critiques of the administration's decision-making.

“The President provided Joe Kent with an opportunity… a candidate with valuable military experience. Unfortunately, he was not suited for the role,” she remarked.

She sharply criticized Kent’s resignation letter, labeling its assertions as unfounded. “It’s profoundly disappointing… that he would resign with a letter rife with inaccuracies, alleging that the President of the United States is controlled by a foreign power — that's both offensive and absurd,” she stated.

Leavitt reaffirmed that the President’s choices are grounded in national interests. “The President leads the most powerful country [and] military globally. No one dictates his actions,” she emphasized.

Defending the administration’s position on Iran, she noted that intelligence evaluations indicate Tehran represents a significant threat. “We don't want someone leading the Counterterrorism Task Force who cannot acknowledge that the foremost state sponsor of terrorism in the world poses a danger to the United States,” she asserted.

She added that Iran is “rapidly developing ballistic missiles to create a defensive barrier to facilitate the construction of a nuclear weapon,” stating that the President’s decision to take action was intended to pre-empt assaults on US personnel and assets.

“This is supported by intelligence… and is underpinned by the fact that the President of the United States decided to act against Iran before they could strike American forces and our assets and bases in the region,” she concluded, calling it “a commendable decision… for the global community.”