US Says Iran’s Attack on Israel ‘Must Have Consequences’

Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Hadera, Israel, on Oct. 1, 2024. Ariel Schalit/AP Photo

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has called Iran’s missile attack against Israel an “outrageous act of aggression,” while a State Department spokesperson said that “there must be consequences for Iran for this attack.”

Immediately after Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles, Austin cautioned against any further attacks including from Iran’s terrorist proxies. He also maintained that the United States stands ready to protect U.S. personnel and defend its partners in the region.

“Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the Middle East, and the Department maintains significant capability to defend our people, provide further support for Israel’s self-defense, and deter further escalation,” Austin wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

“There must be consequences for Iran for this attack,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said. “We made clear that there must be consequences. ... There are things on which we will be coordinating with our Israeli counterparts.”

U.S. forces intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran toward Israel. Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and both expressed “mutual appreciation” for the coordinated defense.

Iran’s attack was retaliation for the recent deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several other top commanders in targeted airstrikes by Israel in Lebanon.

With nearly 200 missiles fired into Israel, “it was a significant attack,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder.

No U.S. personnel were injured or harmed.

“Hezbollah is upset that the IDF exposed their plans to massacre Israelis, so they decided to target innocent civilians by firing a barrage of rockets,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X.

The IDF also posted what it claims to be raw footage of Iranian missiles over Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians, and Jews, and said that the Iranian regime’s target is “everyone.”

Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, currently the IDF spokesman, said the country’s air defense system was fully operational and detected and intercepted the threats but that “the defense is not hermetic.”

Following the barrage of missiles, the Iranian Mission to the United Nations said on Tuesday afternoon that Tehran’s response has “been duly carried out” and warned Israel about taking any further action.

“Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue,” it stated on X.

The United States continues to consult with Israel on the next steps in its defense, according to the Pentagon.

The Pentagon press secretary reiterated that a diplomatic solution is the only answer to long-lasting peace and stability and that the United States does not want to see broader conflict in the region.

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its attached destroyers remain in the region.

From NTD News