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missiles aimed at Israel.” /> USS Bulkeley, a guided-missile destroyer involved in intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.
US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Zac Shea
- US Navy vessels successfully intercepted several Iranian missiles targeting Israel on Tuesday.
- This defensive action occurred during a significant retaliatory strike from Iran against Israel.
- This incident marks the second occasion within six months that US forces have protected Israel from missile threats originating from Iran.
On Tuesday, US Navy vessels intercepted multiple Iranian missiles launched towards Israel as part of an extensive retaliatory assault. This event signifies the second time in under six months that American military forces have intervened to shield Israeli territory from such attacks.
The interceptions took place amidst Iran’s launch of approximately 180 missiles directed at various locations within Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces reported successfully neutralizing “a substantial number” of these projectiles while civilians sought refuge in shelters across the country.
Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the White House, stated that there was close coordination between US military personnel and the Israeli Defense Forces to bolster defenses against this aggression. He remarked, “US naval destroyers collaborated with Israeli air-defense systems to engage and neutralize incoming missile threats.” Sullivan further noted that there were no reports of damage inflicted on aircraft or critical military installations within Israel and characterized the attack as having been effectively countered.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that two destroyers—USS Bulkeley and USS Cole—launched around a dozen interceptors to protect against incoming Iranian ballistic missiles; however, specific details regarding how many projectiles were successfully intercepted remain unclear.
A defense official previously informed Business Insider that American forces stationed in the Middle East are actively engaged in defending against missile strikes launched by Iran targeting Israeli positions. The official emphasized that US forces are prepared for additional defensive measures while ensuring protection for American personnel operating within the region.
The missile barrage was described by Tehran as retaliation for recent assassinations of prominent Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. Following Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination—the head of Hamas’ political faction—in July, Iran pledged retribution against Israel. Additionally, an airstrike conducted by Israeli forces resulted in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, just days before an announced ”limited” ground operation commenced inside Lebanon last Friday.
The killing of Nasrallah heightened concerns about potential escalation in ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts involving both regional powers and possibly drawing in US involvement alongside Iran’s actions.
A senior official from the White House had cautioned prior to this latest wave of attacks about intelligence suggesting imminent plans by Tehran for a ballistic missile offensive targeting Israel. The official reiterated readiness among US forces for defensive support while warning Iran would face “serious repercussions” should it directly engage with Israeli targets.
In April earlier this year, American naval assets along with aircraft managed to shoot down both drones and missiles during an unprecedented assault initiated by Tehran on Israeli territories.
The current positioning includes enhanced naval and aerial capabilities throughout key areas across the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean compared to earlier spring deployments; additional reinforcements were also en route as recently reported on Tuesday.
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