US Warns Iran of ‘Severe Consequences’ If It Launches Direct Military Attack on Israel

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

The United States stands ready to protect American personnel and defend its partners if Iran launches a “direct military attack” against Israel, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Austin reiterated on Tuesday that the United States has “increased force readiness” and “significant military capability” in the region.

The defense secretary said he spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the “severe consequences” Iran will face if it chooses to launch a direct missile attack targeting America’s ally.

“I made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region,” Austin wrote in a statement on X.

The defense secretary on Sunday ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its attached destroyers to remain in the region amid the escalating tension.

President Joe Biden earlier on Tuesday convened the national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel and how the United States is prepared to defend Israel and protect American personnel.

Tuesday’s Attack

Austin’s statement comes after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for the recent deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several other top commanders in targeted airstrikes by Israel in Lebanon.

“It was a significant attack,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder.

Nearly 200 missiles were fired into Israel, Ryder said. Two U.S. navy destroyers fired a dozen interceptors at missiles which the U.S. believes were all launched from inside Iran.  Ryder could not confirm if the U.S. hit any of those missiles, adding that the information was not yet available.

No U.S. personnel were injured or harmed.

Tuesday’s attack further escalated the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas.

“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 “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.

What’s Next

The U.S. continues to consult with Israel on 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 U.S. does not want to see broader conflict in the region.