Author: Daniel Edelson, New York, Reuters

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the recent attack on the Al-Asad airbase in Western Iraq, injuring five U.S. personnel. They condemned the attack as a serious escalation highlighting Iran’s destabilizing role in the region. Last week, the U.S. conducted a strike in Iraq against militants preparing to launch drones, posing a threat to U.S. and coalition forces. In response, the Pentagon affirmed its commitment to Israel’s security amidst threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and other Iran-aligned groups. Following the attack, the Pentagon announced plans to deploy additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the…