America's ambassador to Israel has stated that the United States is not preparing to launch a military attack on Iran at this moment, but emphasised that President Donald Trump "is not going to watch people slaughtered" and would act if necessary.
No Immediate Plans for Military Engagement
In an interview with Sky News on Monday 12 January 2026, Ambassador Mike Huckabee clarified the US position. He confirmed that, as of the time of speaking, there was no American attack on Iran planned. The final decisions on any potential military action, he insisted, would be made by President Trump and his cabinet in Washington.
"Those are decisions that are going to be made in Washington by the president, by the secretary of war, but I'm not hearing anything at this point where America is preparing to engage militarily," Huckabee stated.
He described the current situation as one of observation, focusing on what he called an "organic movement" emerging from the Iranian people, who are "very, very disgruntled, rightfully so".
A Warning Against Regime Brutality
Ambassador Huckabee, who was nominated to his role by Donald Trump after the 2024 election, portrayed the President as reluctant to use military force. "We have a president that would rather never use military power," he said. However, he issued a stark warning that this restraint would end if the Iranian regime continued to kill its own protesters.
"This president is not a chump. He is not going to watch people slaughtered. He will intervene when it's necessary and he will deal with those who do horrific things," Huckabee declared.
He referenced previous US attacks on Iran, which he said served as a warning against nuclear weapon development and uranium enrichment. "They didn't believe it. I hope they do now," he added.
Criticism of UK's Palestine Recognition
The ambassador also used the interview to express strong disapproval of the decision by Britain, France, and other nations to recognise the State of Palestine, a move made just months prior. He labelled the recognition "ill-timed" and "very damaging".
"It was, to us, not only ill-timed, it was very damaging and hurtful to the process in Gaza," Huckabee argued. He claimed it contravened the Oslo Accords and damaged efforts to alleviate financial issues between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
He dismissed the move as "grandstanding" by some European leaders which failed to bring any resolution.
Gaza Ceasefire and Regional Proxies
On the topic of Gaza, Huckabee placed full responsibility for the suffering there on Hamas, which he accused of turning it into "the most miserable place on earth". He revealed that talks are ongoing regarding the composition of a "Board of Peace" outlined in the Gaza ceasefire agreement, noting a desire to "do it right than to do it fast".
A technocratic Palestinian government is expected but has not yet been named. "It has to be better than what's been there," he stated, criticising Hamas's administration since 2007.
Looking to the future, Huckabee expressed hope that the potential fall of the Iranian regime would end its funding for proxy groups in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
