Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday and told him that ongoing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps preparations suggest Tehran is readying for another large-scale attack, said a source with knowledge of the call.

During the call with Gallant, Austin reiterated Washington’s pledge “to take every possible step to defend Israel,” a Pentagon readout stated.

Austin also noted “the strengthening of U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions,” including the deployment of a guided missile submarine.