The U.S. Says It Is Prepared to Counter Possible Iranian Attack on Israel

The U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, states that there is a possibility that the Islamic Republic may respond to Israel's recent retaliatory strike. Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said at a press conference on Tuesday that the U.S. is aware of this situation and must prepare for all possibilities. He referred to a statement issued by the Pentagon regarding a recent call between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart, saying that if the Iranian government intends to take action, the United States is fully committed to Israel's security and remains prepared. In response to a question about whether a potential Iranian attack on Israel is premature, Ryder stated that there are existing comments from Iranian officials on this matter and he has nothing further to add, refraining from describing whether such an attack is imminent. Ryder emphasized that the U.S. is fully aware of the tensions, assists Israel in its self-defense, and protects American forces in the Middle East against a potential Iranian attack and its proxy groups. He also stated that the United States seeks to reduce the level of tension in the Middle East. Israel, in response to the launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles from the Islamic Republic, targeted around 20 military sites in Iran in an airstrike early on Saturday, November 5, which resulted in at least four military casualties in Iran. According to reports from Western media, the Israeli attack caused significant damage to air defense systems, missile and drone production workshops in Iran, as well as a missile base of the IRGC in Semnan. The Islamic Republic only confirmed the attacks in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam; however, the Associated Press reported on Tuesday, citing satellite images, that the damage caused by the Israeli attack in Semnan province was also reported. According to reports, the Iranian missile attack on Israel did not cause significant damage. A ban on the activities of the UN aid agency for Palestinians in Israel has been approved. Experts: Israel's military operations have rendered the IRGC's rhetoric ineffective. Israel: Any further aggression by the Iranian government will have 'swift, painful, and decisive' consequences. Washington warns Tehran: Another attack on Israel or American forces will have 'severe consequences.'