U.S. Defense Secretary Emphasizes Israel's Right to Self-Defense Against Threats from the Islamic Republic

The U.S. Defense Secretary stated that in a call with his Israeli counterpart, he emphasized the United States' firm support for Israel's right to defend itself against threats from the government of Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis, and other terrorist groups supported by the Islamic Republic. Lloyd Austin announced on social media platform X that on Sunday he discussed U.S. defensive measures and the focus on protecting American troops in the region with Yoav Gallant, and stressed the importance of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East. He also expressed U.S. support for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that would facilitate the return of hostages held by the Palestinian group Hamas. John Feiner, Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, earlier on Sunday described the increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East as a defensive action aimed at reducing tensions in the region. Feiner, in an interview with CBS News, pointed to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, emphasizing that the U.S. has clearly stated it will defend Israel against any threats. Following the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, and threats from the Islamic Republic that it would respond to this action, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region and prevent conflict are underway. Among these efforts, Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, during a rare visit to Iran on Sunday, called for an end to the escalation of violence in the Middle East, stating that the region must be able to live in 'peace, security, and stability.' The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced early Wednesday that Ismail Haniyeh, who had traveled to Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Masoud Pezeshkian, was targeted and killed at his residence in the northern part of the capital. The Islamic Republic and Hamas, a group that the U.S. and Israel consider terrorist and is supported by the Iranian government, have blamed Israel for Haniyeh's death. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied this accusation. Opponents of the Islamic Republic have expressed great dissatisfaction with the Iranian government's spending of significant resources to support militia and terrorist groups in the region. Prince Reza Pahlavi reacted to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh by calling him a 'super criminal' and stated that 'Ismail Haniyeh should never have set foot on Iranian soil,' adding that his presence was 'an insult to our country and nation.' He also described the Islamic Republic's officials' intention for a possible attack on Israel in retaliation for Haniyeh's killing as 'Khamenei's game with fire,' asserting that this war is not the war of the Iranian people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in his weekly cabinet meeting that his country is in a 'multi-front war against the axis of evil Iran' and emphasized that Israel is prepared for 'any scenario, whether offensive or defensive.' Israel and the U.S. are coordinating a regional and international coalition to deter potential attacks similar to the April 14 attack by the Islamic Republic. The U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, announced on Friday that it is deploying a squadron of fighter jets to the Middle East and maintaining an aircraft carrier in the region to bolster U.S. military presence to assist in defending Israel and protecting American forces. The rare visit of Jordan's Foreign Minister to Tehran aims to reduce tensions; the region must live in 'peace, security, and stability.' The White House stated: 'We will defend Israel against potential threats.' The G7 called for all parties to refrain from provocative actions in the Middle East. The Wall Street Journal, citing 'informed sources,' reported that the Iranian government is not concerned about the outbreak of war in the region. The Israeli Defense Minister stated: 'We will impose a heavy price on our enemies.' A deadly stabbing attack by a Palestinian in Tel Aviv; 18 people were killed in Israeli army attacks on Gaza.