Pentagon: The U.S. is Prepared to Counter Potential Attacks from the Islamic Republic and Its Proxies

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, announced that the United States is fully prepared to defend its forces, partners, and allies against potential attacks from the Iranian government and its proxy groups. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense, during a phone call on Thursday, October 11, Lloyd Austin and Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, emphasized their commitment to preventing various actors from exploiting tensions or escalating conflicts in the region. Lloyd Austin also stated that in this conversation, he sought assurances for the safety of United Nations peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, during Israel's ground operations against Hezbollah. In the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah, UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have recently come under fire from the Israeli army. According to UN sources, several UNIFIL peacekeepers have been injured, and damages have been inflicted on their bases. In his conversation with his Israeli counterpart, Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for coordination to replace military operations with diplomatic solutions as quickly as possible. He also called for immediate steps to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Lloyd Austin reiterated the U.S.'s firm support for Israel's right to defend itself and added that the United States is committed to using diplomatic means to facilitate the return of Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the border. Following the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of residents from the border areas of both countries have fled their homes to other locations. New details emerged regarding an attack in Syria and the deaths of some members of the IRGC; Gallant canceled his trip to America. The controversial cancellation of Gallant's trip to America; Pentagon: The relationship between the two defense ministers is very good. Three messages from the Saudi monarchy to the Islamic Republic; Bernard Haykel: Saudi Arabia wants to remain neutral in this war. Meir Eisen to Voice of America: Israel targets threats 'both overt and covert.' Israeli Economy Minister: We must attack Iran. Netanyahu: Hashem Safi al-Din and his successor have been killed. Netanyahu's conversation with Biden regarding the response to the Islamic Republic's missile attack; the White House: 'It was clear and substantial.' Reuters: Gulf Arab states have asked the U.S. to dissuade Israel from attacking Iran's oil facilities. Gallant's warning to the Iranian government: You may face the fate of Gaza and Beirut. Israel attacked targets in Gaza and Beirut on the anniversary of Hamas's terrorist attack on October 7. Israel's attacks in Yemen and continued bombings in Lebanon; 105 killed in Lebanon and escalating conflicts. Israeli security officials denied any connection between Netanyahu's trip to New York and the killing of Hassan Nasrallah. Attack on the Houthis 1800 kilometers from Israel; Gallant: 'It's not too far for us.'