The U.S. defence secretary, Jim Mattis, remarked that "what we have to look at is the detabilising influence that Iran has consistently portrayed and demonstrated throughout the region". Mattis went on to argue that "it's time for Iran to shape up and show responsibility as a responsible nation. It cannot continue to show irresponsibility as some revolutionary organisation that is intent on exporting terrorism, exporting disruption across the region. So I think the President was making very clear that they're on the wrong track".