“The United States is determined to prevent Iran and its Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said after talks with his Israeli counterpart.

“I spoke twice, yesterday, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallad about the events in Lebanon. I expressed my full support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its people against Iranian-backed terrorist groups. I emphasized that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and its Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict. I have made it clear that the United States remains ready to protect American forces and facilities in the region and is committed to the defense of Israel,” Austin said in a post on the X platform.