US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who said Washington had been in constant contact with Israeli officials during the attacks, reiterated that “Israel has the right to defend itself.”
He also confirmed that the US is closely monitoring the situation and consulting with allies on next steps. “We are in communication with our allies on the current situation and will continue to do what is in our best interest,” Miller said, stressing the strong US position.
Miller also pointed to Iran’s long history of sponsoring terrorism. “What Iran has done is terrorism. It has been sponsoring terrorists for many years,” he said, adding that Iran’s recent actions, including firing more than 200 missiles at Israel, were a series of aggressive provocations. I was the latest.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jack Sullivan confirmed that the U.S. actively cooperated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in thwarting the missile attacks. “The United States worked closely with the IDF to neutralize threats and is currently assessing further threats from Iran and its proxies,” Sullivan said, emphasizing close military coordination between the two allies. happened
“This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event,” Sullivan told reporters at the White House. “We have made it clear that this attack will have serious consequences, and we will work with Israel.”
Sullivan did not specify what the consequences might be, but he refrained from showing restraint on Israel’s part, as the United States did in April when Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel.
Biden had urged Netanyahu to “win” and avoid retaliation to avoid a wider regional war after Iran’s April attack, provided Israel remained largely safe.
In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken condemned Iran’s missile barrage as “unacceptable” and urged the international community to unite against Tehran’s aggression. “The whole world must condemn Iran’s attack,” Blanken said, adding, “The United States will always stand with Israel.”
The Iranian missile attack, which included nearly 200 projectiles, represents the most significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The attacks came in response to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, which has killed hundreds of people and displaced more than a million. Although Israel has not reported any casualties from the missile strikes, the situation has significantly raised fears of a wider conflict.
The Biden administration has made clear that while it seeks de-escalation, the United States will take concrete steps to protect its interests and those of its allies in the Middle East. “Iran is a group of terrorists, and it will be held accountable for its actions,” Miller said in a final rebuke of Tehran’s leadership.
The international community is now anxiously watching next steps as both Israel and the US consider their options for retaliation, raising concerns about the possibility of a wider regional war.
