Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday that Iran is preparing for a "large-scale" military assault on Israel.
This warning came during a phone call between the two officials, as reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid on the platform X, citing a source familiar with the conversation.
Gallant's ministry confirmed the overnight call on Monday, stating that the discussion focused on operational and strategic coordination, as well as Israel's military preparedness in response to Iranian threats. In response, Austin has ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, adding to the U.S. military's previous decision to send additional fighter jets and Navy warships to the region to strengthen Israel's defenses.
The heightened tensions follow an announcement by a deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, who, on Friday, stated that Iran is preparing to execute an order from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to "harshly punish" Israel.
This comes in retaliation for the assassination of the Hamas leader in Tehran on July 31, which Iran blames on Israel.