TEHRAN- In a press briefing Monday, Pat Ryder, the Press Secretary of the United States Department of Defense, asserted that Washington is not seeking escalation in its relations with Iran. 

When queried about the potential Israeli response to Iran's recent strike on occupied territories, General Ryder refrained from speculating on behalf of Israel, emphasizing that such decisions are theirs to make. 

He reiterated the U.S.'s steadfast focus on defending Israel and safeguarding U.S. forces in the region while emphasizing a commitment to preventing a broader regional conflict through ongoing consultations with partners and allies.

Addressing the defense of Israel, General Ryder underscored the robust support of the United States and highlighted the longstanding security cooperation with Israel and other regional nations in addressing shared threats, emphasizing the significance of these relationships in saving lives.

Responding to inquiries about statements from Israeli Chief of the General Staff, General Halevi, regarding potential Israeli retaliation, Ryder clarified that no response had been confirmed at that time, reiterating the U.S.'s dedication to close consultation with Israeli partners to prevent regional escalation.

Regarding discussions with regional states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan in anticipation of Israeli retaliation, Ryder emphasized the current focus on defending Israel and protecting U.S. forces in the region.

When asked about potential U.S. military support for Israel, Ryder declined to engage in hypothetical scenarios, instead highlighting recent collaborative efforts between the U.S., Israel, and coalition partners in defending Israel and reiterating the U.S.'s stance against wider regional conflict.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin's statement on April 13 revealed that the U.S. intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, originating from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.