Politics USA warns Iran of retaliatory attack on Israel

Following the launch of the Israeli ground offensive against the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, the USA has warned Iran against retaliatory attacks on Israel. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin wrote on Platform X after a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart Joav Galant: "I reiterated the grave consequences for Iran should it decide to launch a direct military attack on Israel." He made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to self-defense.

Early Tuesday morning, Israel launched its ground offensive in Lebanon against facilities of the pro-Iranian Shiite militia Hezbollah. Israel wants to enable the return of 60,000 Israelis who have been displaced for months by Hezbollah attacks from areas along the border.

Austin went on to write that Galant and he agreed "that the attack infrastructure along the border must be dismantled to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot carry out October 7-style attacks on communities in northern Israel." He reiterated the need for a diplomatic solution to ensure that civilians on both sides of the border can safely return to their homes. The US is well-equipped to defend US personnel, partners and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations, he said, adding that it is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or escalating the conflict.