UPDATE - US speaking to Israel about its response to Iranian attack: Pentagon

‘It's more about trying to understand what their response might be,' spokeswoman says

ADDS MORE DETAILS

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) – The US has been in touch with Israel about its possible response to Iran's missile attack, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Thursday.

"We are talking to them about their response ... But you know, I certainly think that any response from Israel to Iran, you know, we will be part of those discussions," Singh told the reporters without giving further details.

Asked whether the US is coordinating details of the response, she said: "I think without going into private conversations, what I could tell you, it's more about trying to understand what their response might be."

She said "detailing out" potential targets from the Pentagon podium "isn't helpful."

Singh said the US will continue to engage with Israel.

"In terms of the, you know, advanced notice. Again, we're talking to them in terms of targets, what they might, you know, what a response might look like. Those aren't things that I'm just going to detail from the podium, and frankly, not going to go into additional private conversations," she said.

The US does not seek a wider regional war, she said. "And we definitely don't see conflict with any country or group, that includes Iran."

When asked whether she believes that an Israeli attack on Iran is "imminent," Singh said: "We're continuing to consult so in terms of something imminent that remains to be seen."

She stressed that Iran did fail in its attack on Israel.

"I think it's important to put it into context that they launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. You know, Israel has a right to respond to that," she added.

Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday amid heightened tensions between the two regional arch-rivals.

Tehran warned that if Israel responds to the attack, it will face more “crushing attacks.”

The attack and Tel Aviv’s announcement of retaliation have raised concerns that the region could be caught up in a wider conflict.

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