The United States issued a stern warning to Iran following its ballistic missile strike on Israel on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the region.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that US military forces aided Israel in thwarting the attack and vowed that Iran would face “severe consequences” for its actions.
US assists Israel in defeating missile barrage
Speaking at the White House, Sullivan underscored the gravity of the attack, calling it a “significant event” and a marked escalation by Iran.
“We have made it clear there will be severe consequences for this attack, and we will work with Israel to ensure that happens,” he said, without specifying the exact nature of the repercussions. While the US refrained from urging Israeli restraint, as it had in April after a similar attack, the Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation.
Read More: Israel vows repercussions after massive rocket barrage from Iran
Iran launched over 180 missiles in retaliation for Israel’s air and ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, but Israeli air defenses intercepted the barrage.
US Navy destroyers also fired a dozen interceptors to defend Israel, according to Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder, who described the attack as double the scope of Iran’s April offensive. Ryder reaffirmed the US’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Diplomatic fallout and global condemnation
The missile attack comes at a delicate time for President Joe Biden, who faces domestic and international criticism for his administration’s support of Israel. The Biden administration has been engaged in months of diplomacy aimed at reducing tensions in the region, and this attack threatens to undermine those efforts.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller urged global condemnation of Iran’s actions, labeling the attack as “brazen and unacceptable.” US officials stated that they had no prior warning from Iran before the missile strike, adding to the tensions between Washington and Tehran.
