Lloyd Austin has praised US defence coordination with Israel in response to Iran’s missile attacks, as the US defence secretary held a phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.

“I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today following today’s outrageous act of aggression by Iran against Israel,” Austin said in a social media post.

“The Minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and committed to remain in close contact,” he said.

Austin also extended his “deepest condolences” to the families affected by a shooting in Israel on Tuesday that killed at least four people and injured seven others, according to Israeli police.