Key points
- Patriot and THAAD systems operated by US military personnel assisted in intercepting Iranian missiles
- US involvement “more limited” than in previous Iranian attacks
ISLAMABAD: United States (US) missile defence systems operated by American military personnel supported Israel’s air defences during Iranian retaliatory missile attacks on Friday evening, according to US defence officials.
The Washington Post confirmed that Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) batteries—initially deployed under the Biden administration—were used in the joint effort.
These systems were operated directly by US military personnel.
“Limited role”
US defence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the involvement marked a more limited role compared to last year, when American air and sea-based assets were also used to intercept incoming Iranian missiles during two separate retaliatory attacks.
While the current engagement was narrower in scope, it underscores ongoing US-Israel military coordination amid heightened regional tensions.
