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US Navy Intercepts Iranian Missiles Targeting Israel Amid Escalating Tensions
On Tuesday, US Navy warships successfully intercepted several Iranian missiles aimed at Israel, coinciding with a significant retaliatory strike from Iran. This defensive action marks the second instance in less than six months where American military forces have stepped in to protect Israel from Iranian missile launches.
The incidents unfolded when Iran launched approximately 180 missiles at various targets across Israel. According to the Israeli military, they managed to intercept “a large number” of these missiles while civilians sought shelter in response to the assaults.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the collaborative efforts between the US military and the Israeli Defense Forces to bolster Israel’s defenses against the missile barrage. “US naval destroyers coordinated with Israeli air-defense units to intercept incoming missiles,” Sullivan stated during a media briefing. He also noted an absence of reported damage to Israeli military assets, declaring that the assault “appears to have been defeated” and categorized it as “ineffective.”
In this operation, two US Navy destroyers—USS Bulkeley and USS Cole—launched around a dozen interceptors to counter the Iranian ballistic missiles. Although the precise number of missiles neutralized is still unclear, reports indicate substantial defensive efforts were mobilized.
A US defense official earlier indicated that American forces stationed in the Middle East remain on high alert, prepared to fend off additional missile threats while also protecting US personnel in the region.
The missile strikes were framed by Tehran as retaliation for the deaths of top Hamas and Hezbollah figures. Iran had committed to responding to Israeli actions following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran this past July. Recently, Israeli forces also conducted operations against Iran-aligned Hezbollah, notably the killing of Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut.
Nasrallah’s assassination, which preceded a limited ground operation by Israeli forces in Lebanon, has raised alarms about the potential for intensified conflict, possibly involving the US and Iran directly.
Prior to the missile strikes, senior US officials noted that there were indications of Iran’s imminent attack plans against Israel, affirming that American forces were prepared for defensive responses. The officials indicated that Tehran would face significant repercussions should it engage directly against Israeli targets.
In April, US warships and aircraft intercepted Iranian missiles and drones during a similar surge of hostilities from Tehran directed at Israel. Currently, the US military has mobilized naval and air resources throughout the Middle East, augmenting its presence compared to earlier in the spring, with further reinforcements on route.
For further details, you can read the original article on Business Insider.
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