US vice president says Iran is 'a destabilizing, dangerous force' in Middle East

WASHINGTON

US Vice President Kamala Harris condemned Iran's "reckless and brazen" missile attack against Israel "unequivocally."

"I'm clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris told reporters Tuesday after Iran fired around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.

The Democratic presidential candidate said she fully supports President Joe Biden's order for the US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel.

The Pentagon said earlier that US Navy destroyers deployed to the Middle East supported the defense of Israel by firing approximately a dozen interceptors against the incoming Iranian missiles.

"As I have said, I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias. My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering," Harris said.

Stressing that Iran is not only a threat to Israel but also to American personnel in the region, she added that the US will "never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend US forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists."

Tensions are running high in the Middle East following the Iranian missile attack on Israel late Tuesday.

Israel said Iran had launched around 180 missiles in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.