U.S. Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean assisted Israeli forces in intercepting multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran in retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure and senior military leadership.
According to defense sources speaking on condition of anonymity, one of the American destroyers engaged Iranian missile salvos using the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3), a ship-launched interceptor designed to neutralize ballistic threats in space.
Debris from one of the missiles, including parts identified as components of the SM-3’s rocket motor, was reportedly recovered after the engagement, confirming U.S. involvement in the defensive operation.
Alongside the U.S. Navy’s participation, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems deployed in the region also played a role in intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles launched in multiple waves targeting Israel.
The Iranian attack came in response to Israel’s latest round of deep-strike operations that targeted locations tied to Tehran’s nuclear program, including the headquarters of the SPND—responsible for nuclear weapons development—and missile launch sites. In total, Israel reported striking more than 170 military targets in three days.
U.S. officials confirmed that the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, a vessel equipped with advanced ballistic missile defense capabilities, was redeployed from the western Mediterranean to the eastern Mediterranean earlier this week in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. A second U.S. Navy destroyer has also been directed to move closer to the region, according to Pentagon officials, though its name and location have not been disclosed.
In addition to naval support, American fighter jets have been conducting combat air patrols over the Middle East to protect U.S. forces and key infrastructure. U.S. airbases in the region have also heightened security postures as a precautionary measure.
“This is an active defense mission. We are committed to protecting our forces and allies in the region,” one U.S. defense official said.
The U.S. military has not issued a formal press release, but sources familiar with the operation confirmed that American assets were directly involved in the missile defense response during the peak of Iranian retaliation.