Washington says attacks ‘deterred’ as US-Iran tensions rise

The acting US defence secretary tones down the rhetoric over tensions with Iran.

The acting US defence secretary says there will be no war with Iran and the recent deployment of additional forces in the Gulf has deterred possible attacks by Tehran.

Patrick Shanahan made the comments following a classified briefing to members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

But Shanahan’s comments did little to soothe Congressional Democrats who are increasingly rattled by US President Donald Trump’s abrupt policy u-turns to contain Iran.

Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reports from Washington, DC.