US Navy Intercepts Iranian Missiles in Response to Iran’s Attack on Israel (Video)
The US Department of Defense released new footage showing US Navy destroyers intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles during an attack on Israel. On Tuesday, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles, marking a sharp escalation in tensions in the Middle East. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder condemned the attack, noting it was nearly twice the size of a similar incident in April, with the US providing assistance to Israel’s defense.
Two US destroyers, USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean, fired interceptors at the missiles, and initial reports suggest that several were successfully neutralized. Despite the scale of the attack, there was minimal damage in Israel. Ryder emphasized Iran’s intent to cause harm, given the volume of missiles launched.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reiterated the US’s firm commitment to Israel’s defense. The missile strikes were in retaliation for Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other officials from the Iran-aligned “Axis of Resistance” in early July.
Israeli officials promised to retaliate, and maritime security experts warned that the conflict could affect energy infrastructure and international trade, particularly in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea. Ambrey, a security firm, highlighted increased risks to Israeli and US shipping interests in the region.