Newsletters
The United States is assisting Israel in defending against missile attacks amid escalating hostilities with Iran, a U.S. official said Friday.
"I can confirm that the U.S. is assisting in shooting down missiles targeting Israel," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity. No details were provided regarding the extent of U.S. involvement..
Trump also spoke by phone Friday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said, after Israel struck Iranian military leadership and nuclear facilities and Tehran retaliated.
The call was confirmed by a White House official to AFP on condition of anonymity. Trump had earlier said he had been informed of the Israeli strikes before they occurred on Thursday.
Israel launched a massive attack early Friday, deploying about 200 aircraft to target Iran’s nuclear program and long-range missile capabilities. The strikes killed senior Iranian military officials as well as nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran vowed “severe punishment” and called for an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to hold Israel accountable. Tehran described the attack as “a declaration of war” and threatened to open “the gates of hell” on Israel.
Later Friday, Iran launched approximately 100 drones toward Israel, many of which were intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace.
The drone offensive was followed by dozens of missiles, some of which caused physical damage in Israeli cities and injured at least seven people, according to first responders.
Tehran confirmed the operation—dubbed “Operation True Promise III”—via state-run Press TV, stating the strikes were a direct response to Israel’s earlier air raids that killed more than 100 people and targeted key nuclear and military sites.
1 min read
Emergency sirens blared throughout Israel as the military confirmed that dozens of ballistic missiles had been launched from Iranian territory. The Israeli army reported that air defense systems were actively intercepting the attacks, but several missiles made direct impact, particularly in Tel Aviv. Loud explosions were reported in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by AFP journalists.
At least 35 Israelis were injured by the Iranian missile strikes, including two in critical condition, an Israeli newspaper reported. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, four people were in moderate condition, nine sustained light-to-moderate injuries, and 21 were lightly injured.
1 min read
