The White House announced that nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Israel were successfully intercepted on Tuesday in a coordinated defense effort by the U.S. and Israel. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that U.S. naval forces launched a dozen interceptors, including the destroyers USS Cole and USS Bulkeley. At the same time, Israel’s Iron Dome defense system neutralized the remaining missiles. Sullivan described the attack as “defeated and ineffective” but acknowledged it as a “significant escalation” by Iran.
The missile barrage, which Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said was in retaliation for the deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in recent Israeli strikes, did not result in any reported fatalities in Israel. However, one Palestinian civilian was killed in Jericho, according to the White House. President Biden and Vice President Harris monitored the situation from the White House Situation Room and reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s security.
Following the attack, the White House issued a stern warning, stating that Iran would face “severe consequences” for the strike, though no specific actions were outlined. Vice President Harris emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to defending its interests in the region and supporting Israel against Iranian aggression. “Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East, and today’s attack on Israel only further demonstrates that fact,” she stated.
The attack on Israel was preceded by heightened tensions in the region, with Iran vowing retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Sullivan confirmed that U.S. forces had not received prior warning of the attack and are now consulting with Israel on the next steps to ensure regional stability and prevent further escalations.
U.S. officials are working to protect American personnel and interests across the region as the situation unfolds. The White House also called on American citizens in Lebanon to leave the country through civilian commercial means. It emphasized that it would continue to collaborate with Israel and its allies to counter Iran’s aggressive actions and maintain peace in the region.
