Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder told “Sky News Arabia” that the United States is in constant coordination with Israel regarding a potential response to Iran. In an interview on the program “Newsroom” with “Sky News Arabia,” Ryder stated that Iran “carried out a significant attack on Israel, and the United States assisted Tel Aviv in defending itself. We continue discussions with the Israeli side regarding the expected response.”
Ryder emphasized the need to avoid major escalation in the Middle East, stating that “diplomacy is the solution to the current tensions between Israel and Lebanon.” He acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense but expressed concern about potential miscalculations.
He reaffirmed that the U.S. “will continue efforts to defend Israel while working to prevent escalation and pursue a diplomatic resolution.” When asked about Israel potentially responding unilaterally without U.S. approval, Ryder said, “Israel is a sovereign state. We have alliances and partnerships aimed at resolving the current situation in the Middle East. We seek to address the root of the problem, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.”
Regarding balancing support for Israel and reducing regional tensions, Ryder commented, “The situation is complex and requires joint efforts to resolve.” He added that the U.S. will rely on deterrence to manage threats from Iran and its proxies in the region. On Lebanon, he noted, “We are consulting with our friends in Lebanon to understand the challenges they face and work toward the best solution for dealing with this crisis.”
