Iran’s recent attack on Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles has brought tensions to a peak after a two-week period of heightened anticipation.
American Response:
In response to Iran’s attack on Israel, American forces swiftly engaged, downing numerous drones and intercepting missiles.
Senior U.S. officials revealed the extent of Washington’s involvement, both in military action and diplomatic initiatives aimed at countering the assault.
Details of the Attack:
According to a senior U.S. military official, Iran unleashed over 100 medium-range ballistic missiles, more than 30 land-attack cruise missiles, and over 150 attack drones towards Israel.
The USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, American warships, successfully intercepted between four to six ballistic missiles, while U.S. aircraft downed over 70 Iranian drones.
Additionally, a Patriot missile battery intercepted a ballistic missile targeting Israel near the Iraqi city of Arbil.
U.S. President’s Response:
President Joe Biden closely monitored the unfolding attack from the Situation Room at the White House, receiving real-time updates throughout the evening as the situation evolved.
“At one point, we knew there were over 100 ballistic missiles in the sky” and “the results of the defenses of course were unclear until all was said and done,” a senior administration official said, describing the tense atmosphere.
Roots of the Conflict:
The catalyst for this violent exchange traces back to Israel’s strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. Tehran promptly issued warnings of retaliation.
“We were not a part of that strike” but “we knew that that would have repercussions,” the official said.
U.S. Involvement:
While the U.S. was not directly involved in the strike on the consulate, they were aware of the potential consequences.
President Biden directed the government to defend Israel comprehensively in response to the looming threats.
Preparations and Coordination:
Leading up to the attack, key U.S. officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, maintained constant communication with Israeli counterparts and other regional stakeholders.
General Erik Kurilla was deployed to the area to provide real-time updates and coordinate efforts with allies.
Diplomatic Channels:
The U.S. also utilized diplomatic channels, such as direct communications through the Swiss channel, to engage with Iran and navigate the escalating tensions.
Future Prospects:
The primary U.S. objective remains to prevent the conflict from expanding regionally, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
Washington is actively seeking to de-escalate tensions in the region and is not inclined to participate in any retaliatory actions by Israel.
“We would not be a part of any response they do,” the senior administration official said of possible Israeli action after the attack. “We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act.”
Also read: Watch: How Israeli planes intercepted hundreds of Iranian drones
Israel has meanwhile “made clear to us they’re not looking for a significant escalation with Iran,” but “a big question is not only whether, but what Israel might choose to do,” the official said.
Israeli Response:
Israel has signaled its intention to avoid significant escalation with Iran.
However, the potential for further actions from Israel remains uncertain, posing a critical question for the evolving situation
