Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday that Iran was preparing for a large-scale military attack on Israel, as per official reports.
In a statement released on Monday, Gallant's ministry confirmed the overnight call, stating that the two leaders discussed operational and strategic coordination as well as the Israeli military's readiness in light of the Iranian threats.
In response, Austin has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, in addition to previously announced plans to send extra fighter jets and Navy warships to the region to strengthen Israeli defences.
Meanwhile, recent reports have said US President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about securing a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip before the end of his presidency.
"Yes. It’s still possible," Biden said during a televised interview on Wednesday when asked if a ceasefire could be achieved with five months remaining in his term.
In his first interview with an American television channel since announcing his decision to withdraw from the presidential race last month, Biden discussed his efforts to bring peace to the region.
"The plan I put together, endorsed by the G7, endorsed by the UN Security Council, etc, is still viable. And I’m working every single day with my whole team to ensure it doesn’t escalate into a regional war. But it easily can," he stated.
Amid rising tensions, Iran maintains its right to respond to Israeli aggression, while the global community has urged both nations to maintain peace and avoid military confrontations.
These tensions have been exacerbated by comments from an Iranian Revolutionary Guards deputy commander, who recently announced that Iran, following an order from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, intends to "harshly punish" Israel for the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran on July 31.
The international community, including the U.S. and the United Nations, is closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East, emphasising the need for de-escalation and continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
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