Iran Launches 200-Missile Attack on Israel; U.S. and Israeli Forces Successfully Intercept Majority
In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran launched a massive barrage of approximately 200 ballistic missiles targeting Israel earlier today. While most of the missiles were intercepted before reaching their destinations, a few did manage to hit Israeli territory, causing minimal damage, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
Pentagon Press Secretary, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, condemned the attack in a briefing, calling it “reckless” and urging Iran to halt any further military actions, including those through its proxy forces. “We condemn these reckless attacks by Iran, and we call on Iran to halt any further attacks, including from its proxy forces,” Ryder said.
This attack was nearly double the scale of Iran’s previous missile offensive on April 13 and 14, according to Ryder. As with that earlier incident, the United States played a key role in supporting Israel’s defense systems.
Two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley—both Arleigh Burke-class warships stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean—were involved in the defensive operation. Each ship launched a dozen interceptors aimed at neutralizing incoming Iranian missiles. However, Ryder noted that it remains unclear if those specific interceptors successfully hit any of the targets.
Early assessments indicate that the missiles were all launched directly from Iran, not from proxy states or militant groups, signaling a more direct and deliberate move by Tehran. “You don't launch that many missiles at a target without the intent of hitting something,” Ryder emphasized. “Just like the last time, their intent is to cause destruction.”
Despite the scale of the attack, Israel’s sophisticated air defense systems, combined with U.S. military support, were able to prevent any significant damage. Ryder confirmed that there were no injuries or casualties among U.S. personnel.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III remained in close contact with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant before and during the attack. “He reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel and underscored that the U.S. remains well-postured throughout the Middle East region to protect U.S. forces and defend Israel in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations,” Ryder said.
As tensions remain high, both the U.S. and Israel continue to monitor the situation closely, prepared for any further actions from Iran or its allied groups.