Iran launched a barrage of more than 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles, and more than 150 attack drones at Israel, a senior US military official said. The US successfully engaged and destroyed over 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles. President Joe Biden received real-time updates in the Situation Room during the attack.
The attack was in response to an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus. Biden instructed the government to defend Israel to the maximum extent possible. US officials were in constant contact with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries before the attack. Additional military assets were deployed to the region.
The US goal is to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from escalating further. Washington wants to lower the tension in the region. Israel has indicated they do not want a significant escalation with Iran. The US does not plan to participate in any response by Israel.
