President Joe Biden on Tuesday directed the U.S. military to assist Israel in defending against Iranian missile attacks.
The decision follows heightened tensions in the region, with both Israeli and Iranian forces exchanging strikes.
A statement from the White House confirmed the president’s directive, emphasizing that U.S. military forces would work to intercept missiles launched from Iran.
“President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel,” the White House announced.
Vice President Kamala Harris joined Biden in closely monitoring the situation from the White House situation room.
The crisis deepened after the Israeli military and Iranian state media both confirmed missile launches from Iran aimed at Israel’s major cities, including Tel Aviv.
The attacks came in retaliation for the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Nasrallah was reportedly killed during Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, while Haniyeh died in a bombing in Tehran, widely believed to have been carried out by Israeli forces.
As the missiles rained down, air raid sirens echoed across Israel, and explosions were heard in Jerusalem. Israel’s air defense systems were activated to fend off the barrage.
In response to the threat, Israeli airspace was shut down, with neighboring countries such as Iraq and Jordan also closing their airspaces amid growing concerns of further attacks.
The conflict has intensified in recent weeks, with Israeli ground operations targeting Iranian-backed militants in southern Lebanon.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had previously discussed the Iranian threat with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, leading to the deployment of additional U.S. forces to the region.
The international community has expressed grave concern over the situation, with Russia and China urging de-escalation.
The United Nations has also warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis as the conflict rages on, displacing thousands of people and causing significant casualties.
Airstrikes continue in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, further exacerbating the violence.
Despite global calls for calm, the hostilities show no signs of abating, raising fears of a broader regional conflict and destabilization in the Middle East.
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