Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder announced that the United States is continuously coordinating with Israel regarding a possible response to Iran’s recent actions.
U.S. Support for Israel
Ryder stated, “Iran has carried out a significant attack on Israel. The U.S. has assisted Tel Aviv in defending itself. We continue our discussions with the Israeli side about the steps related to the expected response.” He emphasized the importance of avoiding a major escalation in the Middle East, asserting that “diplomacy is the solution to the current tensions between Israel and Lebanon.”
The Right to Self-Defense
While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, Ryder expressed concerns about potential miscalculations. He reaffirmed that the U.S. would “continue working to defend Israel while also striving to prevent escalation and achieve a diplomatic resolution.”
Israeli Sovereignty and Response
When asked if Israel might take unilateral action without U.S. approval, Ryder clarified, “Israel is a sovereign state. We have alliances and partnerships aimed at finding a solution to the current situation in the Middle East. We want to address the root of the problem, which includes establishing a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.”
Balancing Support and De-escalation Efforts
Regarding the balance between supporting Israel and working to de-escalate the region, Ryder noted, “The situation is complex and requires collaborative efforts to resolve. We continue the dialogue and rely on deterrence against Iran and its proxies in the region.”
Consultations with Lebanon
On the Lebanese front, Ryder explained, “We are consulting with our friends in Lebanon to understand the challenges they face and to reach the best solution for managing this crisis.
