US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in discussions on Monday with counterparts in both the Middle East and Europe, highlighting support for Israel following attacks attributed to Iran while also emphasizing the importance of regional stability to prevent the escalation of conflicts, as reported by the Pentagon.
Iran launched a significant number of drones and missiles on Saturday in what was perceived as a retaliatory strike subsequent to a suspected Israeli attack on its embassy compound in Syria. The majority of these drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory.
The Pentagon clarified that the United States had not been given prior notice by Iran regarding its attack on Israel, and Washington did not actively seek a conflict with Tehran.
Amid mounting pressure from allies urging restraint to avoid exacerbating regional tensions, Israel deliberated on its response to Iranâs barrage. Israelâs military chief of staff asserted that the country would retaliate against the Iranian attack.
In separate conversations held on Monday, Austin communicated with Bahrainâs crown prince and prime minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, as well as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, and Qatari Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. During these exchanges, he condemned Iranâs actions and reiterated Washington’s stance against further escalation, according to statements from the Pentagon.
Austin affirmed to his counterparts that “while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to defend Israel and US personnel,” as stated by the Pentagon. Additionally, in his conversation with Gallant, he expressed solidarity with Israel’s defense efforts and underscored the strategic objective of maintaining regional stability.
A Pentagon spokesperson informed reporters earlier on Monday that the decision regarding whether Israel would retaliate against Iran remained within Israel’s purview.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran have sparked concerns about the widening scope of violence stemming from the Gaza conflict across the region. Since the commencement of hostilities in Gaza on October 7, confrontations have erupted between Israel and Iran-affiliated groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
