In response to a severe attack by Iran on Israel, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has reiterated the United States' commitment to defending its interests and its staunch ally, Israel.
"The US does not seek conflict with Iran but will not hesitate to act to protect its troops and support the defense of Israel," Austin said in a statement on April 13.
"We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately cease any further attacks, including those by its proxies, and to de-escalate," the Defense Secretary added.
Austin confirmed that, at the direction of US President Joe Biden, US forces in the Middle East intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs launched at Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen on April 13.
US-Israel Cooperation
Following these attacks, the Defense Secretary held two significant discussions with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
These talks focused on reaffirming the "unwavering US support for the defense of Israel," as stated by Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder.
"Secretary Austin and Secretary Gallant commended the extraordinary defensive measures and close cooperation taken to repel this Iranian attack on Israel. Secretary Austin made it clear again that Israel can count on the full support of the United States to defend Israel against any future attacks by Iran and its regional proxies," informed Ryder.
The incidents have prompted a broader international response, with President Biden announcing consultations with the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) nations on "coordinating a diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack."
Standing with Israel
The White House released a statement from Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, declaring that the United States "stands with the people of Israel and will support its defense against threats from Iran."
On April 13, Iran executed an unprecedented attack on Israel, deploying over 300 drones and missiles, potentially escalating the conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli army spokesman Daniel Harari stated on April 14 that the drones and missiles originated from Iranian territory, as well as Yemen and Iraq. He noted that 99% of these were intercepted outside Israeli airspace. Harari reported one casualty in Israel—an injured girl.
