Iran launched a retaliatory attack against Israel on Saturday, marking the first time Iran has launched a direct military attack on the Jewish state.
The attack included more than 200 missile and drones but later Saturday, U.S. officials said American forces in the region had shot down several Iranian drones and were planning to shoot down any missiles as well.
“U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel,” a U.S. official told Fwrd Axis News. “Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region.”
Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations says its attack on Israel was a “legitimate defense” in response to Israel’s attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria.
“Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded,” Iran’s permanent mission to the U.N. said in a statement. “However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe.”
U.S. President Joe Biden and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by phone on Saturday. Biden cut his weekend short in Delware, returning to the White House Saturday afternoon for a meeting in the Situation Room with his national security team.
Republicans are also calling on Biden to do more to assist Israel and to get tougher on Iran.
In a statement late Saturday night, the President said he will speak with the G7 leaders on Sunday to coordinate a “united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”
The Israel Defense Forces Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted missiles using the “Arrow” Aerial Defense System.
The U.S. military shot down “dozens” of missiles and drones en route to Israel, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement late Saturday.
“We condemn these reckless and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies, and we call on Iran to immediately halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces, and to deescalate tensions,” Austin said in the statement. “We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel.”
