Austin: US is Working to Calm Rising Tensions in the Region

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Wednesday that he does not see a wider war in the Middle East as inevitable, noting that the United States is working to calm rising tensions in the region.

In statements during his visit to the Philippines, as reported by Alhurra TV, Austin emphasized, "I don't believe that war is inevitable; I stand by that. I believe there is always room and opportunities for diplomacy."

Austin's remarks came following the announcement last night of the killing of a senior Hezbollah leader, who was reportedly responsible for an attack that resulted in Israeli casualties in the occupied Golan Heights.

Regarding US assistance in the event of a wider conflict in the Middle East, Austin affirmed that Washington will continue to support Israel's defense if it comes under attack, but the priority remains to de-escalate tensions. He added, "We do not want to see this happen, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that we contribute to reducing tensions and addressing issues through diplomatic channels."