Troops are deployed to the Middle East. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs the news media at the Pentagon.

.Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder briefs the news media at the Pentagon.

The Pentagon spokesperson, in this press briefing, discussed several key topics related to the Middle East and U.S. involvement in the region. Here is a summary of the important points covered in the briefing:

1. Support for Israel: The Department of Defense remains actively engaged in the Middle East, particularly in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself from terrorist attacks. This includes providing Israel with security assistance to restore security and protect its citizens. The assistance includes precision-guided munitions, small diameter bombs, artillery ammunition, Iron Dome interceptors, and other critical equipment.
2. Humanitarian Aid and Civilians: The U.S. emphasizes the importance of safeguarding innocent civilians on both the Palestinian and Israeli sides of the conflict. Efforts are underway to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
3. Deterrence and Force Protection: The U.S. is working to deter a broader regional conflict and protect its forces in the region. The Pentagon has deployed additional military capabilities in the area, including the arrival of the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The aim is to protect and defend U.S. partners and interests in the region.
4. Iranian Involvement: The spokesperson mentioned that Iranian proxy forces have conducted attacks on U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. believes these groups are supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian regime. There are concerns about the potential for further escalation involving Iran.
5. Response to Attacks: The Department of Defense is prepared to protect U.S. troops and interests and will respond to threats at a time and place of its choosing. The focus is on ensuring force protection and responding decisively if necessary.
6. Aiding Allies: The U.S. is working closely with allies like Israel and Ukraine to meet their munitions requirements. Efforts are underway to ensure a steady supply of necessary munitions and support.
7. Engagement with China: There is a desire to maintain engagement between the U.S. and China’s defense leaders to prevent misunderstandings and potential miscalculations.
8. Experts on Urban Combat: The U.S. is providing advisory support to Israel, including experienced military experts who can help with planning for scenarios involving urban combat. These experts aim to provide advice rather than direct the Israeli Defense Forces’ actions.

Overall, this press briefing highlights the U.S. commitment to supporting its allies, particularly Israel, and its readiness to protect its interests and forces in the Middle East. The U.S. aims to deter further escalation and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians in the ongoing conflict. The potential for further escalation involving Iranian proxy forces is a growing concern, and the U.S. stands ready to respond if necessary.