United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and reiterated Washington's support for Israel while declaring that the US is "committed" to deterring Iran and its proxies, according to a readout from the Pentagon.

Austin and Gallant discussed the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, with the former official reaffirming US support for Israel's right to self-defense.

The secretary stressed the US is "postured" to defend its forces in the region.