US warns Iran of 'Serious Consequences' for direct attack on Israel
US warns Iran of 'Serious Consequences' for direct attack on Israel
The United States on Tuesday warned Iran of ‘serious consequences’ if it directly attacks Israel in retaliation for Israel’s operations against Hezbollah, the Tehran-backed militant group. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself and offered support for dismantling attack infrastructure along the Lebanese border.
In a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reinforced the US's commitment to Israel’s security and discussed ongoing efforts to neutralize Hezbollah’s threat. He highlighted the US’s readiness to defend its personnel and allies from Iranian aggression and Iran-backed terrorist activities.
Ground Raids in Southern Lebanon
In response to the growing threat from Hezbollah, the Israeli military has initiated "targeted ground raids" in southern Lebanon. These raids, supported by airstrikes and artillery, aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure. The raids are part of a methodical plan devised by Israel’s General Staff and Northern Command.
Escalating Conflict
The situation has escalated following Israel’s recent airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Despite calls for de-escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant stated that the military campaign against Hezbollah is far from over. Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, vowed to continue their fight against Israel, targeting Israeli troops near the Lebanese border.
Civilian Impact
The conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians. Lebanon’s health ministry reported that recent Israeli strikes have resulted in 95 deaths and 172 injuries, displacing one million people – about a fifth of the population.
Diplomatic Efforts
While supporting Israel's right to self-defense, the US continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides. Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating further and maintaining regional stability.
