The United States has strongly condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, with top American officials reaffirming unwavering support for Israel as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who said Washington remained in constant contact with Israeli officials during the attacks, reiterated that "Israel has the right to defend itself."
He also confirmed that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and consulting with allies about next steps. "We are in contact with our allies on the current situation and will continue to do what is in our best interest," Miller said, emphasizing the US's firm stance.
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 -- firing more than 200 missiles at Israel -- were just the latest in a series of aggressive provocations.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that the United States actively cooperated with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in thwarting the missile attacks. "The US worked closely with the IDF to neutralize threats and is currently evaluating further risks from Iran and its proxies," Sullivan stated, underscoring the close military coordination between the two allies.
"This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event," Sullivan told reporters at the White House. "We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case."
Sullivan did not specify what those consequences might be, but he stopped short of urging restraint by Israel as the US did in April when Iran carried out a drone and missile attack on Israel.
Biden was reported to have urged Netanyahu to "take the win" and refrain from retaliation after Iran's April attack to avoid a wider regional war, given that Israel was largely unscathed.
In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Iran’s missile barrage, calling it "unacceptable" and urging the international community to unite against Tehran's aggression. "The whole world should condemn Iran's attack," Blinken said, adding, "America will always stand with Israel."
The Iranian missile strike, which involved nearly 200 projectiles, represents one of the most significant escalations in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The attacks came in response to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, which has killed hundreds and displaced over a million people. While Israel reported no injuries from the missile strikes, the situation has significantly heightened fears of a broader conflict.
The Biden administration has made it clear that while it seeks de-escalation, the U.S. will take firm measures 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 to Tehran’s leadership.
The international community now anxiously watches for the next steps as both Israel and the United States weigh their options for retaliation, raising concerns about the potential for a wider regional war.
