US determined to prevent Iran from expanding Mideast conflict, Austin tells Israel's Gallant

Reuters · 09/28 14:43
US determined to prevent Iran from expanding Mideast conflict, Austin tells Israel's Gallant

- The United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iran-backed groups from exploiting the situation in Lebanon or expanding the conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant in calls on Friday.

Austin expressed full U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself and "made it clear that the United States remains postured to protect U.S. forces and facilities in the region and committed to the defense of Israel," Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said in a statement on Saturday.


(Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

((ismail.shakil@tr.com;))