The U.S. has launched around a dozen interceptors in response to the Iranian missile attack on Israel, according to the Pentagon. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described this event as a “significant escalation by Iran.” Israeli military officials reported that approximately 180 missiles were fired at Israel on Wednesday, with most being successfully intercepted.

Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian has defended the missile launch, characterizing it as a “decisive” action taken “in defense of Iranian interests and citizens.” In a Pentagon briefing, Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed that two U.S. Navy destroyers were involved in firing interceptors at the Iranian missiles, which were believed to have originated from Iran. However, he did not provide confirmation on whether any of the intercepted missiles were actually hit, stating that further details were still being gathered.

The scale of this attack was noted to be “about twice the scope” of the ballistic missile assault that occurred in April, highlighting the escalating nature of hostilities. The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the attacks were retaliation for Israel’s killing of a senior IRGC commander and other leaders of Iran-affiliated militias in the region. The IRGC pointed to the recent killings of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan in Lebanon, as well as the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July. Although Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, it is widely believed to be involved.

The conflict underscores the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both sides increasingly engaging in military actions that threaten to escalate the situation further.