Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have discussed the possibility of an attack by Iran and “its proxies” on Israel, Al Jazeera reports.

Iran’s leaders have pledged retaliation after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran.

In addition, the two discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the “need to address the potential spread of polio”.

“Secretary Austin informed the Minister that the United States continues to monitor attack planning from Iran and its proxies and is well postured across the region to defend Israel and protect US personnel and facilities,” according to the statement.