As Israel ramps up its military operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and prepares for a potential offensive against Iran, the United States has announced the deployment of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system to Israel.
The Pentagon confirmed that the missile defence system will be accompanied by US troops, who will operate the system. This development follows a stark warning from Tehran, urging the US to avoid deploying its military forces to Israel.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder stated, "The deployment of the THAAD battery will enhance Israel's integrated air defence system. It is part of the broader adjustments the US military has made in recent months to support the defence of Israel and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias."
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned on Sunday that the US is risking the safety of its forces by deploying them to Israel. "The US is putting the lives of its troops at risk by deploying them to operate US missile systems in Israel," he stated.
Araqchi further expressed concerns about the deteriorating regional security situation, warning that while Iran has tried to contain the outbreak of an all-out war, it would not hesitate to defend itself.
"We have no red lines in defending our people and interests," Araqchi wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Tensions have been on the rise between Israel and Iran. In April, Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel, intensifying the regional conflict.
Most recently, on 1 October, Iran fired over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel during escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
While many were intercepted mid-flight, some managed to bypass Israel’s missile defences.
The deployment of the THAAD system reflects the growing concern in Washington over the regional security situation, as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to rise, fuelled by the conflict with Hezbollah. The system is expected to bolster Israel’s air defence capabilities as the prospect of broader conflict looms.
Follow us
