- US helps shoot down Iran missiles
- Most of the 180 missiles fired at Israel were intercepted by both Israeli defence systems and US Navy destroyers
- The US and Israel are now coordinating potential further actions
US helps shoot down Iran missiles
The US played an active role in defending Israel during a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles, according to the Pentagon. The attack, which saw approximately 180 missiles fired at Israel, was intercepted by both Israeli defence systems and US Navy destroyers, which launched about a dozen interceptors in response. US President Joe Biden confirmed the US support, emphasising that it was done under his direction and lauding both the US and Israeli military capabilities.
The Iranian attack was described by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as a “decisive” response, defending Iranian interests. In contrast, US officials condemned the assault, calling it a “significant escalation.” The Pentagon is still determining the effectiveness of the US interceptors. Meanwhile, Biden stressed that discussions on how to respond to Iran’s “aggression” are ongoing.
The missile attack follows heightened tensions in the region, with Iran retaliating for the recent killings of key Iranian and Hezbollah figures. The US and Israel are now coordinating potential further actions, as Washington balances its support for Israel with efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
