US President Joe Biden has commended American forces for their role in intercepting the drones and missiles launched by Iran on Sunday, helping Israel defend against the unprecedented attack.
In a statement, President Biden highlighted that the US had deployed aircraft and warships to the region ahead of the assault.
“I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms,” he emphasized.
Israel reported that Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles directly from its own territory towards Israel, marking the first such direct assault. Israel’s defense system successfully intercepted the “vast majority” of these projectiles, although some managed to hit targets, including an IDF base in southern Israel. At least one person, reported to be a young girl, was injured in the attacks.
Iran earlier warned that Israel would be “punished” for a strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April, which killed seven Iranian officers including a top commander. Israel has not confirmed or denied whether it was responsible.
“I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” Mr Biden said shortly after the pair held a call.
“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks,” he added.
Mr Biden also said he plans to convene G7 leaders on Sunday “to co-ordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack”.
He warned Iran against attacking any US assets, adding while Iran has not done so, America “remains vigilant to all threats”.
President Biden cut short a planned visit to his home state of Delaware on Saturday, travelling back to the White House to be briefed by national security officials hours before the attack.
White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said Mr Biden was “in constant communication with Israeli officials, as well as other partners and allies”.
Republicans in the House of Representatives, meanwhile, said they were drafting legislation to provide more aid to Israel and sanction Iran.
