A U.S. defense official has confirmed to Newsweek that the United States was playing a role in supporting Israel's efforts to fend off an Iranian retaliatory strike following a series of large-scale Israeli attacks against Iran. "Yes, the U.S. is assisting in shooting down missiles targeting Israel," the official told Newsweek.

The U.S. is assisting in shooting down Iranian missiles and projectiles targeting Israel, according to three U.S. officials.