Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz asserted that “Israel views the U.S. as the full partner across all operational threats, not the least, Iran”, adding: “The Tehran of today possess a strategic threat to international security to the entire Middle East and to the state of Israel. And will work closely with our American allies to ensure that any new agreement with Iran will secure the vital interest of the world, of the U.S., prevent dangers, unrest in our region and protect the state of Israel”. Austin remarked that “as a major strategic partner for the U.S., our bilateral relationship with Israel in particular is central to regional stability and security in the Middle East… our commitment to Israel is enduring and it is iron clad”.