US, Israel discuss 'severe consequences' for Tehran if Iran launches attack against Israel

WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Tuesday he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, about "the threat of an imminent Iranian attack" against Israel.

"I shared that over recent days the United States has increased force readiness and continues to maintain significant military capability in the region.

"I made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region," Austin wrote on X.

The telephone call came after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's campaign against the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.

Austin said they also exchanged views on the "severe consequences" for Iran if Tehran chooses to launch a direct attack against Israel.