US Secretary of Defense says war in Middle East is not inevitable and aims to “ease tension”

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin answered questions from reporters that there is a possibility that the regional situation will intensify in response to reports of the assassination of Haniya on Wednesday and Israel's claims about the murder of the Hezbollah commander in Beirut on Tuesday.

“I don't think war is inevitable. That idea remains the same. I think there is always room and opportunity for diplomacy,” said Secretary Austin, adding that the United States “will work to ensure that it does what helps ease the tension.”

In response to the question of whether information on the Haniya murder attack could be confirmed, Secretary Austin answered, “There is no additional information that can be provided.”