The Pentagon announced that the United States launched approximately 12 interceptor missiles in response to missiles launched by Iran toward Israel.
US President Joe Biden said the United States was “actively” supporting Israel’s defense at his direction. He said he spent the morning in the Situation Room, the White House’s central hub for dealing with serious national security issues.
The Israeli military said about 180 missiles were fired at Israel on Wednesday, most of which were intercepted.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the attack, calling it a “resolute” response “to protect Iran’s interests and people.”
Rear Adm. Patrick Ryder said at a Pentagon news conference Tuesday that two U.S. Navy destroyers were used to fire interceptors at the missiles, which the U.S. believes all came from Iran. .
He did not confirm whether the Iranian missile used in the attack hit, adding that information had not yet been established.
He said Tuesday’s attack was “about twice the range” of the Iranian attack in April in terms of the ballistic missiles used.
Maj. Gen. Rider added that the Pentagon was not aware of any warnings about the attack.
President Biden said after the attack that the United States has “full support” for Israel.
“Today, at my direction, the U.S. military actively supported the defense of Israel. We are still assessing the impact.”
“But based on what we currently know, it appears that the attack was defeated and ineffective. And this is a testament to Israel’s military capabilities and the U.S. military.”
Asked by reporters what his response to Iran would be, Biden said: “There’s a lot of active discussion going on about that right now. We don’t know yet.”
He said he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that his message “ultimately depends on what we decide is necessary.”
Earlier, White House national security spokesman Jake Sullivan described the Iranian attack as a “serious escalation” and said the United States would now take steps to secure U.S. interests and “promote stability wherever possible.” It added that it would consider “appropriate next steps.”
The Iranian military has warned against any direct military intervention in support of Israel.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that Tuesday’s attack was in retaliation for Israel’s killing of a top Revolutionary Guards commander and an Iranian-backed militia leader in the region. .
He was referring to the killings of Hezbollah’s top commander Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards commander Abbas Nilfoloshan in Lebanon last weekend.
He also mentioned the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Israel has not admitted any involvement in Haniyeh’s death, but it is widely believed to be responsible.
