US Naval Destroyers Join Israeli Forces to Intercept Iranian Missiles Amid Major Escalation

The White House has confirmed that US military forces played a key role in helping Israel defend against a major Iranian missile attack.

According to National Security Council Advisor Jake Sullivan, U.S. naval destroyers joined Israeli air defence units in intercepting the barrage of Iranian missiles aimed at Israeli cities.

Photo Credit: PTI

"The United States military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to help defend Israel against this attack. US naval destroyers worked alongside Israeli air defence units, firing at incoming Iranian missiles," Sullivan stated.

He further described the attack as a "major escalation" by Iran but noted that the joint efforts of US and Israeli forces successfully thwarted the assault. "The Iranian attack appears to have been defeated," Sullivan said while emphasizing that Washington continues to monitor the situation for any further threats.

The attack marks a significant intensification in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, and Sullivan confirmed that the US is in discussions with Israel about possible responses to the aggression. This coordinated defence effort highlights the strong military collaboration between the two nations in times of crisis.

Iran-Israel War

Iran has announced that it has launched dozens of ballistic missiles targeting key military and security installations in Israel, citing the mass killings of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the deaths of Hamas, Hezbollah, and IRGC leaders and commanders, as the motivation for its actions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Israel would face "crushing" retaliatory attacks if it responded.

Earlier, Israel reported that its troops had conducted a "limited" raid in southern Lebanon, a claim that Hezbollah has denied. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati described the situation as one of the most perilous phases in the country's history.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue across the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 Palestinians. Since the beginning of the conflict in October, the death toll in Gaza has risen to at least 41,638, with 96,460 injured. In Israel, at least 1,139 people have died due to the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, with more than 200 others taken captive.