The U.S. played a critical role in supporting Israel’s defense against a large-scale missile attack launched by Iran on Tuesday, just hours after U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that American forces were on high alert. This assistance came as part of an ongoing commitment to help safeguard Israel amid escalating tensions in the region.
“This marks a significant escalation by Iran,” said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. “Equally important is that we acted swiftly alongside Israel to prevent any casualties from this attack.”
The assault involved approximately 180 missiles fired at Israel, according to reports. Iranian state media linked the strike to the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Brig. Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. These figures were reportedly killed in separate incidents, with Nasrallah’s death occurring last Friday and Haniyeh’s earlier in July while visiting Tehran.
U.S. Forces and Israel Respond
.S. and Israeli forces coordinated closely to intercept the incoming missiles. Israel’s advanced Iron Dome missile defense system was crucial in preventing widespread damage. At the same time, U.S. Navy assets, including guided-missile destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean, also contributed to the defense effort. The USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley, and USS Cole were among the ships equipped with missile interceptors that helped counter the Iranian attack.
“Nearly 200 ballistic missiles were fired toward Israel today,” Sullivan stated. “The U.S. military collaborated closely with Israeli defense to intercept and neutralize these threats.”
The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. forces in the region remain prepared to offer further defensive support. “We are committed to defending U.S. personnel, allies, and partners from Iran and its proxies,” said a U.S. defense official.
Israel’s Air Defenses Activated
Following the attack, Israel closed its airspace and ordered residents of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to shelter in place. Israeli authorities later confirmed that there were no casualties from the missile strike, although some missiles did hit southern and central regions of the country.
Israel’s security cabinet convened in a Jerusalem bunker to assess the situation, and an official from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) indicated that the missile barrage had ceased. “We intercepted many missiles during this attack,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. “Thankfully, there are no reported casualties, but we are still assessing the overall impact.”
Heightened Regional Tensions
This latest escalation comes as tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces in the region continue to intensify. In recent months, Israel has targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, leading to increased hostilities. The Iranian strike was reportedly an act of retaliation, warning Israel against further military operations.
In addition to its Iron Dome system, Israel also deployed its Arrow Missile Defense System and David’s Sling, which were designed to intercept medium- and long-range threats. These systems have proven crucial in defending the country from short-range rockets and long-distance ballistic missiles.
U.S. Commitment to Israel’s Security
The U.S. remains resolute in its support of Israel, with Defense Secretary Austin reiterating that the U.S. is fully equipped to counter threats in the region. This marked his second conversation with Israeli officials in less than 24 hours, signaling the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two nations amid the escalating crisis.
As Iran continues to assert its presence through missile strikes and proxy forces, the U.S. and Israel are working closely to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.