Iran retaliated against Israel on Saturday, risking a regional confrontation including U.S. forces. The operation, which Israeli officials estimated involved over 200 missiles and drones, was Iran's first direct military attack on Israel.
US officials reported that American forces in the region had shot down many Iranian drones and were attempting to knock down Iranian missiles some hours after the Iranian operation began.
"U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel. "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region."
Israeli officials said Iran deployed ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, but the "vast majority" were downed. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, said several missiles hit Israeli territory, damaging a military base but injuring just a girl.
Iran declared the situation “concluded” following the missile and drone strikes. Iran warned that if Israel commits “another mistake,” it will respond “considerably more severe.”
President Joe Biden's national security team informed him, according to a White House National Security Council spokesperson. Israeli and U.S. officials said Biden called Netanyahu.
U.S. officials claimed American warships and forces in Iraq and Syria were countering the Iranian onslaught. They include the USS Carney, a destroyer that has shot down Iranian-backed Houthi missiles and drones launched from Yemen.
New York man charged with storing friend's body parts in fridge U.S. officials said Iran had indicated it would retaliate against Israel but sought to avoid escalation to war in back-channel conversations during the past two weeks.
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