US to maintain strong presence in Middle East for Israel's security

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has said that Washington will keep significant forces in the Middle East to help Israel.

He made the remarks during a phone conversation with his Israeli colleague Yoav Gallant, reported by Pentagon press secretary Patrick Ryder, Caliber.Az informs, citing foreign media.

According to him, the ministers of the two countries discussed “Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East and the current situation in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.”

Austin "reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security, a ceasefire in Gaza, and a solution that allows citizens to safely return to their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border."

“The Secretary reaffirmed US support for Israel's right to self-defence and noted that the United States maintains significant capabilities in the region to protect US forces and facilities, provide further support for Israeli self-defence, and deter further escalation”, Ryder added.

During the phone talks, Austin and Gallant "reaffirmed their commitment to deterring Iran and its affiliated partners and forces from taking advantage of the situation for their own benefit or expanding the conflict." Austin will host Gallant at the Pentagon on October 9, as Ryder reported on October 7. They will discuss the security situation in the Middle East.

By Khagan Isayev