Pentagon: Situation in the Middle East is very serious and the US is ready for a possible Iranian attack

Stating that "the situation in the Middle East is currently very serious," Ryder said that this is why Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has "ordered" the deployment of additional defensive weapons and ammunition to the region.

When asked if it was possible for Iran to retaliate against Israel this week, Ryder replied, "It is certainly possible."

The Pentagon Press Secretary stated, "I'm not going to try to predict or speculate on when they might attack, other than to say that we need to take it seriously, and we do. So we will be prepared, and we are ready."

Pat Ryder reiterated that the US wants to de-escalate the situation, protect its forces, and support Israel's defense.

"THERE IS ALWAYS TIME FOR DIPLOMACY"

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder stated that no one in the region "wants to see an escalation and does not desire for the current situation to turn into a regional conflict."

"There is always time for diplomacy to work," said Ryder, adding, however, "So, hopefully, we won't find ourselves in a situation where we have to use those capabilities. But if we need to use them in the defense of Israel, we will."

Ryder said the following:

"What we are trying to do here is deter a broader regional conflict, prevent a regional war in a very tense Middle East where Iran has threatened to retaliate and potentially use overwhelming force, and we have also been very clear in our commitment to help with Israel's defense."

Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on July 31.

Iran and Hamas have stated that Israel is behind the attack, and Tehran has noted that it will respond to the Tel Aviv administration.

The Pentagon announced earlier this month that the US would deploy additional military assets to the Middle East to prevent a possible Iranian retaliation against Israel.

News Source: AA