Washington intends to demonstrate “unfailing commitment” to help the Jewish state in the face of Iranian attacks.
The United States announced this Sunday the deployment of an anti-missile system in Israel. By sending a high altitude area defense battery (THAAD), the Pentagon intends to help the Jewish state’s air defenses in the face of Iranian attacks. This decision comes as earlier in the day, Tehran urged Washington to keep American military forces out of Israel.
The United States, an ally “flawless” from Israel
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of the THAAD battery at the direction of President Joe Biden.
“This action underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending Israel and defending Americans in Israel against any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran.”he commented.
The origin of the THAAD battery was not immediately specified. The United States deployed one of these batteries to the Middle East, along with additional Patriot battalions, to bolster protection of U.S. forces in the region late last year, following the attack on October 7, 2023 against Israel by Hamas militants.
The THAAD is considered a complementary system to the Patriot, but it can defend a wider area. It can hit targets at distances of 150 to 200 kilometers.
Tehran ready to defend itself unconditionally
The Iranian regime took note of this decision through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, who indicated in a message published on the site “no red line” to defend its people and its interests.
