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

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testifies before the Department of Defense subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee on budget issues for the 2025 fiscal year, Washington, DC, May 8, 2024 [ALLISON BAILEY/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images]

US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin, said Tuesday he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, about “the threat of an imminent Iranian attack” against Israel, Anadolu Agency reports.

“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 US 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.

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