President Joe Biden praised American forces for intercepting “nearly all” drones and missiles launched by Iran towards Israel and pledged a coordinated global response to Tehran’s unprecedented assault. The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. forces intercepted “dozens of missiles” and drones originating from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen aimed at Israel.
Against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict six months ago, Biden assured on Saturday that American support for Israel’s defense against Iran and its proxies is “ironclad.” This marked the first direct military attack by Iran on Israel, raising concerns of broader regional conflict.
In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden assured that the U.S. would not participate in offensive actions against Iran, according to a senior administration official speaking anonymously.
The U.S. and Israel had anticipated an attack following Iran’s vow to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals.
“To support Israel’s defense, the U.S. military deployed aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the past week,” Biden stated. “Thanks to these efforts and the skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel intercept nearly all incoming drones and missiles.”
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that U.S. forces intercepted numerous attacks but did not provide specific details on the operation. “Our forces remain ready to protect U.S. troops and partners, support Israel’s defense, and enhance regional stability,” Austin stated.
Biden, who cut short a weekend trip to his Delaware home, convened a national security meeting at the White House to address the situation before speaking with Netanyahu.
“I conveyed to him that Israel demonstrated remarkable defense capabilities against unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to its adversaries,” Biden said.
Biden announced plans to convene a meeting of the Group of Seven nations on Sunday to coordinate a unified diplomatic response to Iran’s actions.
The Pentagon confirmed that Austin praised Israel’s “extraordinary defensive measures and strong cooperation” in countering the Iranian attack and reiterated full U.S. support for Israel’s defense against future threats.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson condemned Iran’s “airborne attack” on Israel and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel’s defense.
Biden emphasized U.S. commitment to defending Israel and warned Iran against further actions. He declined to specify conditions that would trigger a direct U.S. military response.
The U.S. and its allies have cautioned Tehran against escalating the conflict further.
During the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli forces have exchanged fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants along the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officials reported over 150 attacks by Iran-backed militias on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since October.
Iranian commandos also seized an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.
Watson urged Iran to release the ship and crew immediately and stated that the U.S. would work with partners to hold Iran accountable.