Israel reportedly received significant weapons assistance from the United States ahead of its recent attack on Iran. Among the arms delivered were 300 Hellfire missiles, which played a critical role in the assault. Known for their high precision and destructive power, these laser-guided missiles were instrumental in striking Iranian military targets and nuclear infrastructure.
The AGM-114 Hellfire is one of the most widely used short-range, air-to-ground (and occasionally air-to-air) tactical missiles deployed by the U.S. military and over 30 American allies. First developed in 1972 to meet the U.S. Army’s need for a helicopter-launched anti-tank weapon to counter Soviet armored forces, the Hellfire has since evolved into a versatile system. It is designed to target armored vehicles, bunkers, radar and communication systems, soft targets, and even low-flying helicopters.
The delivery comes under a $7.4 billion arms deal previously signed between Israel and the United States. According to reports, the U.S. expedited the shipment of the Hellfire missiles last Tuesday after learning about Israel’s planned operation against Iran’s nuclear sites. These missiles also proved crucial in intercepting ballistic missiles launched by Iran in retaliation.
The Hellfire missiles, which were equipped on many Israeli warplanes, inflicted heavy damage across Iranian territory. Israel claims that 78 people were killed in the operation and that it successfully neutralized approximately 150 ballistic missiles and drones fired by Iran.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received active U.S. support in defending against Iran’s missile barrage. However, the official declined to elaborate on whether this assistance involved American fighter jets or naval assets. The news outlet Axios reported these details, citing the unnamed source.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump had concluded a high-level meeting with the National Security Council to review the escalating situation. No further information was released regarding the duration or content of the discussions. According to Reuters, citing a White House official, Trump also held a phone call with Netanyahu as tensions between Israel and Iran surged.
Despite the coordination, the U.S. government has officially denied any direct involvement in Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. In a separate statement to Fox News, President Trump remarked that he was “not surprised” by Israel’s actions and described the offensive as “an expected move.”
The Israeli strike, code-named Operation Rising Lions, focused heavily on Iranian nuclear infrastructure and has been described as the most extensive assault on Iran since the Iran-Iraq War.
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