National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan condemns Iran's "significant escalation" of launching nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel, calling the attack "defeated and ineffective" thanks to the coordinated efforts of US and Israeli defense forces.
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Iran's Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel: A Significant Escalation
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has strongly condemned Iran's launch of nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on Tuesday, calling the attack a "significant escalation." Speaking at a White House briefing, Sullivan emphasized that the move comes as an apparent retaliation for the deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, and follows weeks of Israeli strikes against Tehran's proxies in the region.
Sullivan noted that the US military, in conjunction with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), coordinated efforts to repel the missile strikes, utilizing US naval destroyers and Israeli Air Defense units to intercept and shoot down inbound missiles. The coordinated response ensured that no deaths were reported on the Israeli side, although the White House is monitoring reports of a Palestinian civilian death in Jericho, West Bank.
Iran's Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel: A Significant Escalation
While many missiles were intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems, others did hit the ground. The Pentagon has reported that the US fired approximately 12 interceptors against Iranian missiles. Sullivan stressed that the attack appears to have been "defeated and ineffective," based on current intelligence.
Sullivan added that the US will consult with the Israelis on appropriate next steps in responding to and mitigating the Iranian attack. The White House remains particularly focused on protecting American service members in the region and has implored US citizens in Lebanon to follow State Department guidance on leaving the country through civilian commercial means.
Iran's Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel: A Significant Escalation
Concurrently with the missile attack, a terror shooting incident in the Israeli city of Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Authorities have neutralized at least two individuals suspected of opening fire on a crowd of people. The IDF has instructed citizens to shelter in place and follow instructions from the Home Front Command as the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system continues to intercept incoming rockets.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for the missile barrage, stating that it is in retaliation for the Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The guard has issued a warning that any Israeli response to the missile strikes will be met with "crushing attacks."
Iran's Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel: A Significant Escalation
The White House has not directly confirmed whether the US received advance warning from Iran prior to the strike, but the Pentagon has stated that they were "not aware of any pre-warning by Iran."
As the situation remains fluid, Sullivan has emphasized the need for stability and security in the region. The US will work with its allies to ensure the protection of American interests and to promote stability to the maximum extent possible.
Iran's Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel: A Significant Escalation
