The United States and Israel are coordinating their response following a significant Iranian missile attack on Israel, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned as a “big mistake” that “will pay” for the aggression. The attack, involving hundreds of missiles, was thwarted by Israel’s advanced air defense system, with additional support from the U.S. and other undisclosed partners, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Miller, speaking at a press briefing, declined to specify whether Iran’s nuclear program could become a target for Israeli retaliation, stating that the U.S. intends to first consult with its Israeli counterparts. “We want to have these conversations directly with our Israeli counterparts over the coming days,” Miller said. While not ruling out any possibilities, he emphasized the need for coordinated action in the aftermath of what he called “a significant escalation.”
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan echoed these sentiments, confirming that the U.S. stands by Israel and supports its defensive measures. Miller pledged that Iran would face consequences but refrained from disclosing details, adding, “There must be consequences for Iran for this attack.”
The missile strike comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with Miller acknowledging that Israel had expanded the conflict in recent weeks. He referred to Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut as an action to “bring terrorists to justice.” He contrasted this with Iran’s recent missile attack, which he said demonstrates the danger posed by Iran’s long-standing support for terrorist groups across the Middle East. “What you saw was Iran launching a state-on-state attack to protect and defend the terrorist groups it has built, nurtured, and controls,” Miller said.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the nation following the missile attack, expressing confidence in Israel’s ability to defend itself. “Tonight, Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of missiles. This attack failed, thanks to Israel’s air defense system, the most advanced in the world,” Netanyahu said in a video statement from his security cabinet meeting.
He extended gratitude to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the citizens of Israel for their vigilance, and thanked the United States for its support. Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Iran: “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it. The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our commitment to retaliate against our enemies. Whoever attacks us — we will attack them.”
Netanyahu also addressed the deadly incident in the Tel Aviv neighborhood of Jaffa, offering condolences to the victims’ families and once again pointing to Tehran as the orchestrator of the violence. “As with the missile attack, there is a deliberate and murderous hand behind this attack – it comes from Tehran,” he said.
The U.S. and Israel are expected to continue discussions over the next few days to determine the scope of their response to the Iranian aggression. Meanwhile, Miller noted that the current wave of attacks has subsided but warned that further escalation by Iran could provoke stronger retaliatory measures.