Iran’s ballistic missile assault on Israel was “defeated and ineffective”, the White House said on Tuesday, warning that Tehran could expect severe consequences for the attacks.
“Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective,” Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, told reporters.
Sullivan hailed US efforts to repel some of the attacks, which involved American naval destroyers shooting down some of the missiles.
Iran’s attack was however a “significant escalation” of tensions in the Middle East, Sullivan said — adding that it was an “ongoing situation” that meant he could only answer a few questions before getting back to his desk.
“Obviously, this is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel,” Sullivan told the briefing.
The White House official would not say what consequences Tehran could expect to face, saying it would discuss “next steps” with Israel