President Joe Biden praised US forces for intercepting “virtually all” of the drones and missiles fired by Iran at Israel and pledged a coordinated world response to Tehran's unprecedented assault. The Pentagon confirmed that US forces had intercepted “dozens of missiles” and drones originating in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen geared toward Israel.
Towards a backdrop of heightened regional tensions for the reason that begin of the battle between Israel and Hamas six months in the past, Biden assured on Saturday that US help for Israel's protection in opposition to Iran and its proxies is “ironclad”. It was Iran's first direct navy assault on Israel, elevating fears of a wider regional battle.
In a name with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden assured that the US wouldn’t take part in offensive actions in opposition to Iran, a senior administration official stated on situation of anonymity.
The US and Israel anticipated the assault after Iran vowed retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate constructing in Syria that killed 12 individuals, together with two senior Iranian generals.
“The U.S. navy has deployed anti-ballistic missile plane and destroyers within the area over the previous week in help of Israel's protection,” Biden stated. “By way of these efforts and the talents of our service members, we’ve helped Israel intercept virtually all incoming drones and missiles.”
Protection Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that US forces had intercepted a number of strikes, however didn’t present particular particulars of the operation. “Our forces stay prepared to guard American troops and companions, help Israel's protection and improve regional stability,” Austin stated.
Biden, who minimize quick a weekend journey to his dwelling in Delaware, referred to as a nationwide safety assembly on the White Home to deal with the scenario earlier than talking with Netanyahu.
“I informed him that Israel demonstrated outstanding defensive capabilities in opposition to unprecedented assaults and despatched a transparent message to its adversaries,” Biden stated.
Biden introduced plans to convene a Group of Seven assembly on Sunday to coordinate a unified diplomatic response to Iran's actions.
The Pentagon confirmed that Austin praised Israel's “extraordinary protection measures and powerful cooperation” in countering the Iranian assault and reiterated the complete US help for Israel's protection in opposition to future threats.
Nationwide Safety Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson condemned Iran's “air assault” on Israel and reaffirmed US help for Israel's protection.
Biden emphasised the US dedication to defend Israel and warned Iran in opposition to additional motion. He declined to specify the circumstances that might set off a direct U.S. navy response.
The US and its allies have warned Tehran in opposition to additional escalation of the battle.
In the course of the Israel-Hamas battle, Israeli forces exchanged fireplace with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants alongside the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officers have reported greater than 150 assaults by Iranian-backed militias on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since October.
Iranian commandos additionally seized a container ship linked to Israel close to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
Watson urged Iran to right away launch the ship and crew and stated the US would work with companions to carry Iran accountable.
