Pentagon: We Are Prepared to Respond

U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson General Patrick Ryder stated on Monday that Washington is ready to respond to any scenario that threatens Israel. Ryder, in an off-camera discussion with reporters at the Pentagon, said, "We are prepared to respond to any scenario that could threaten the security of Israel and our interests against any and all Iran-backed agents." He clarified that the U.S. Department of Defense continues to monitor developments in the Middle East around the clock. The U.S. official added, "We are seeking to reduce tensions and have taken all steps to strengthen Israel and its defensive readiness." Ryder also noted that the Pentagon would not comment on the possibility of Israel launching a preemptive strike against any threats from Tehran or its agents in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.