US Department of Defense Issues Statement

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has stated that the United States has "fulfilled its commitment in defense partnership with Israel," emphasizing that over ten of the 181 missiles launched by Iran toward Israel last night were intercepted by American forces.

"We condemn this unacceptable act of aggression by Iran and call on Iran to cease any further attacks, including those by its proxy terrorist groups," the statement from Austin read.

He added that the US "will never hesitate to defend its forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and its partners in the region."

"Our forces remain positioned to protect American troops and partners in the Middle East, and the department continues to maintain its significant capabilities to protect our people, provide further support for Israel's self-defense, and prevent further escalation," Austin concluded.

Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on the evening of October 1, firing more than 180 missiles into Israeli territory.