The U.S. Sends THAAD System to Israel to Counter Potential Iranian Attacks

Amid ongoing speculation about a retaliatory attack by Israel on the Islamic Republic, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on Sunday that, at the direction of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a THAAD missile defense system and accompanying military personnel will be sent to Israel to operationalize and utilize this system. The statement referenced the unprecedented attacks on Israel by the Iranian government on April 14 and September 2, adding that THAAD will enhance Israel's integrated air defense system. The U.S. Department of Defense described this action as a demonstration of the United States' ironclad commitment to defend Israel and American citizens residing in Israel against any further attacks by the Islamic Republic using ballistic missiles, noting that this action is part of recent changes in the U.S. military posture to counter attacks from the Iranian government and its affiliated militias against Israel and Americans. The statement also reminded that last year, following the October 7 terrorist attack, a THAAD battery was sent to the Middle East under the orders of President Joe Biden. The Islamic Republic of Iran launched an unprecedented attack on April 14, firing approximately 320 projectiles toward Israel, the majority of which were intercepted and destroyed by a coalition of the U.S., the U.K., France, Jordan, and Israel before reaching Israeli airspace. On September 2, in response to the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders and a senior commander of the Quds Force by Israel, the Iranian government fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel. Senior Israeli officials have stated that this attack from the Islamic Republic will not go unanswered. American officials say that Israel has 'limited' its targets for attacking Iran. American senators have called for increased pressure from the U.S. government to counter Iran's oil and arms sales. The White House, following new U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic, stated that it had warned Iran. CNN reported that Iran is concerned about an Israeli attack and is seeking diplomatic assistance from regional countries. The Pentagon stated that the U.S. is prepared to counter potential attacks from the Islamic Republic and its proxies.