US Navy Helps Israel Intercept Iranian Missile Barrage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The United States supported Israel in intercepting a massive Iranian missile barrage using Navy destroyers and air defense systems. In response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, Tehran launched multiple ballistic missiles, prompting U.S. military resources to mobilize. President Trump met with security advisors as regional tensions escalated.
US Supports Israeli Missile Defense: Quick Looks
- US intercepts missiles: Navy destroyer and Patriot systems helped block Iranian strikes.
- Tehran’s retaliation: Iran launched missiles after Israeli strikes on nuclear sites.
- Eastern Mediterranean: USS Thomas Hudner shifted closer to potential conflict zones.
- Fighter jets on patrol: American aircraft fly missions to protect U.S. assets.
- Force surge: 40,000 U.S. troops now stationed across the Middle East.
- Carrier presence: USS Carl Vinson and others on standby for escalation.
- NSC meeting: President Trump reviewed regional options with top advisors.
- Red Sea tension: Houthis and Iran-backed groups remain on U.S. radar.
- Security alerts: Bases on alert; dependents evacuated ahead of strikes.
US Navy Helps Israel Intercept Iranian Missile Barrage
Deep Look
U.S. Navy Joins Israel in Missile Interception
American air defense forces were instrumental in helping Israel counter a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles launched Friday, according to senior U.S. officials. As Iran retaliated for Israeli strikes on its nuclear infrastructure and military leaders, the United States deployed both ground-based systems and naval forces to assist.
A U.S. Navy destroyer in the eastern Mediterranean Sea shot down incoming missiles, working in tandem with Israel’s own defense network. Additional U.S. Patriot and THAAD systems located throughout the Middle East played a vital role in the interception effort, officials said.
USS Thomas Hudner and Force Repositioning
The USS Thomas Hudner, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped for ballistic missile defense, was ordered to sail eastward from the western Mediterranean. A second destroyer is also repositioning to be ready for potential deployment. These moves underscore Washington’s readiness to respond to any escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel.
Fighter jets are now conducting patrol missions across the region to secure U.S. bases and personnel. The Pentagon has ordered enhanced security measures at several installations, reflecting growing concerns over possible attacks from Iranian proxies or retaliatory actions targeting American forces.
Troop Surge and Strategic Assets
Currently, approximately 40,000 U.S. troops are deployed across the Middle East, up from the typical 30,000. This includes forces positioned strategically near flashpoints such as the Red Sea, where Iranian-backed Houthis have been active in disrupting maritime traffic.
The Navy’s broader presence includes the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, operating in the Arabian Sea. Other carriers — the USS Nimitz in the Indo-Pacific and USS George Washington recently out of Japan — are also available to redeploy if conditions worsen.
White House Response
President Donald Trump convened a National Security Council meeting on Friday to review ongoing developments and consider military options. The administration had already ordered precautionary measures earlier in the week, including voluntary evacuations for families at U.S. military bases in the region.
The U.S. role in Israel’s defense comes amid growing regional instability and echoes a similar response in October 2024, when American destroyers fired interceptors as Iran launched over 200 missiles at Israel. That action followed Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, which set off the broader conflict currently engulfing the region.
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