The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has confirmed that Israel, the U.S., and their allied partners have successfully neutralized most of the 300 airborne weapons launched by Iran at Israel. The armaments, originating from Yemen, Syria, and Iran, comprised over 110 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles, and in excess of 150 uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated during a press briefing, "As our actions demonstrated, the U.S. support for the defense of Israel is robust." He added that this operation not only underscores the enduring security cooperation between the United States and Israel but also with other regional countries when addressing regional threats. "Those kinds of things don't happen overnight. Those kinds of relationships and the ability to work together, to interoperate together all played out and saved many lives," Ryder noted.
According to a DOD news release, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has discussed the situation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and international partners. He also conferred with allies such as Air Force Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown Jr., senior Defense Department leaders, and commanders from U.S. European Command and Centcom. U.S. Central Command forces were instrumental in this operation; backed by the U.S. Navy destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, they succeeded in intercepting 80 uncrewed aerial vehicles along with six ballistic missiles.
Austin expressed his gratitude towards the U.S troops involved in this operation: "I am grateful for the professionalism and the skill of the brave U.S troops who took part in today's actions and who continue to stand guard to prevent further conflict or escalation." He condemned these "reckless and unprecedented attacks" by Iran and its proxies while urging Iran to halt any further assaults immediately — including those from its proxy forces — and to deescalate tensions. "We do not seek conflict with Iran, but we will not hesitate to act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel," Austin declared.
