US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin — in a conversation with Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant — has said that Iran would face serious consequences if they choose to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

In a post on X, Austin said that he made it clear to his Israeli counterpart that the US supported Israel’s right to defend itself.

Austin reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution was required to ensure that civilians could return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, adding that the US was “well-postured” to defend their personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran.