US Condemns Iran’s Attack on Israel as Major Escalation, Reports Reuters

By Jeff Mason, Simon Lewis, Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON – The United States has issued a stern warning to Iran following its ballistic missile attack on Israel, declaring that the country will face severe ramifications for this significant escalation, although the attack appeared to have been successfully defended against.

President Joe Biden reaffirmed strong U.S. support for Israel and described the Iranian missile strike as ineffective. He noted that discussions were underway regarding Israel’s potential response and mentioned plans to communicate with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.S. military assets in the region played a role in assisting Israel’s air defenses to counter the missile threat, and the Biden administration is consulting closely with Israel on the following steps, according to U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

"This represents a major escalation by Iran, a significant occurrence," Sullivan remarked to reporters at the White House. "We have made it clear that there will be consequences—serious consequences—for this attack, and we will collaborate with Israel to ensure that happens."

While Sullivan refrained from detailing the specific consequences, he avoided calling for Israeli restraint, a stance taken in previous incidents, particularly in April when Iran launched a drone and missile attack against Israel.

Biden later reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Israel and acknowledged the uncertainty regarding how Israel might respond.

The missile attack from Iran marks a worsening of tensions in the region, which have persisted despite ongoing negotiations by the Biden administration and promises of an imminent ceasefire to resolve the conflict in Gaza.

In these closing months of his presidency, Biden faces mounting criticism from both domestic and international quarters regarding U.S. military support for Israel, a sentiment echoed by Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party’s leadership.

Former President Donald Trump commented on the missile launch, emphasizing Iran’s historical role in exporting terror globally without directly condemning the strike itself. He noted the instability plaguing the Middle East.

U.S. NAVY INTERCEPTS IRANIAN MISSILES

Iran launched a series of missiles at Israel in response to Israeli military operations against its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. In turn, Israel has promised a "painful response."

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that should Israel retaliate, Tehran’s response would be "more crushing and ruinous." Israel has reported intercepting over 180 missiles launched from Iran.

The Pentagon confirmed that two U.S. Navy destroyers engaged in the defense of Israel by launching approximately a dozen interceptors against the incoming Iranian missiles. Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder characterized the attack as significant and reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense, noting that this attack involved about twice as many ballistic missiles as Iran’s previous offensive in April.

U.S. officials indicated they were not forewarned by Iran about the impending missile launch. In retaliation, the Iranian mission stated that no prior notice was given to the U.S., although they issued a serious warning afterward.

Israeli Major General Herzi Halevi indicated that Israel would strategically determine when to respond, emphasizing their capability for precise and unexpected attacks, though he did not provide specific details about their plans.

Previous Israeli retaliation in April was relatively restrained, designed to mitigate the risk of escalating into a major conflict with Iran, despite it breaking a longstanding taboo against direct attacks. However, analysts suggest Israel may adopt a more aggressive approach this time around.

"Iran’s missile attack effectively provides a green light for a counterstrike from Israel, possibly the decisive blow that Prime Minister Netanyahu has sought for years," stated Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. She pointed to Iran’s nuclear and vital oil facilities as potential targets for any forthcoming Israeli response.