Israel’s multi-layered air defense system has been critical in countering Iran’s attacks on June 13-14, 2025, during which Iran launched over 150 ballistic missiles and suicide drones as part of “Operation True Promise III,” retaliating against Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion.” Israel’s defense network includes:
- Arrow Missile Defense System: Designed for high-altitude interception of ballistic missiles, Arrow 2 and 3 systems successfully neutralized many of Iran’s medium-range ballistic missiles, including those aimed at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
- David’s Sling: Targets medium-range missiles and drones, bridging the gap between Arrow and shorter-range systems. It was likely used against some of Iran’s advanced drones.
- Iron Dome: Focused on short-range rockets and mortars, Iron Dome intercepted several low-altitude threats, including missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis from Yemen on June 15.
- Iron Beam (under development): A laser-based system for cost-effective interception, not yet fully operational but potentially used in limited capacity.
Backed by US, UK, and Jordanian air forces, which intercepted additional projectiles, Israel’s defenses neutralized most threats, with minimal damage reported—some injuries and a few strikes on non-critical infrastructure. The US deployed a THAAD battery and 100 troops to Israel on June 14 to bolster defenses, reflecting the escalation’s intensity.
Russia, maintaining its Middle East balancing act, likely stayed neutral, avoiding direct involvement to preserve ties with both Israel (via security coordination in Syria) and Iran (through military and economic partnerships). Moscow’s silence or vague calls for restraint align with its strategy to leverage regional tensions without entanglement. The EU, while focused on trade talks with the US, expressed concern over the conflict’s impact on energy markets, as seen in the 14% oil price surge after Israel’s South Pars strike. Starlink’s activation in Iran, announced by Elon Musk, further complicates the regional dynamic by countering Tehran’s internet blackout, indirectly challenging Russia’s ally while aligning with Western interests in connectivity. The Beirut rooftop party video, showing civilians dancing amid missile flyovers, underscores the region’s volatility, amplifying the stakes for global actors like Russia and the EU.