The United States has issued a stern warning to Iran, cautioning against any direct military intervention in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and expressed strong support for Israeli efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure along the border with Lebanon.
Speaking with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin reiterated the US commitment to backing its allies while seeking to de-escalate tensions. “I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel,” Austin said in a statement posted on social media platform X. He further emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to ensure civilian safety on both sides of the border.
The remarks come as Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah, launching “targeted ground raids” into southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that these localized attacks, supported by airstrikes and artillery, aim to neutralize Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in villages close to the border.
Israel’s military action follows the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike last Friday in Beirut, dealing a significant blow to the militant group. Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Gallant made it clear that the military’s operations in Lebanon are far from over. “We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities,” Austin said, referring to earlier cross-border incursions by the group.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, vowed to continue fighting in his first televised speech since Nasrallah’s death, signaling that hostilities will persist. The group confirmed attacks on Israeli troops stationed near the border, further escalating the volatile situation.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Lebanon, with its health ministry reporting 95 fatalities and 172 injuries from Israeli strikes as of Monday. Lebanese officials stated that around one million residents, roughly 20% of the population, have fled their homes due to the intensifying violence.
As tensions soar, the US has stressed its readiness to defend its personnel and allies from any threats originating from Iran or its proxies. “The United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict,” Austin declared.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, as Israel continues to target Hezbollah strongholds, while the militant group has vowed to retaliate, threatening to escalate the situation into a broader regional conflict.