Iran says missile strikes on Israeli military bases ‘successful’

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned Iran’s missile attack on Israel and called for de-escalation, stating, “We’re very concerned about Iran’s actions, which is why we condemn them.”

Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, Albanese emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense.

“It is a good thing that it would appear that the defense of Israel, supported by the United States, has ensured that there is no loss of civilian life, it would appear, at this stage. There’s been too much loss of life in that region,” Albanese added.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Iran’s attack was “a dangerous escalation at a time when New Zealand and the international community are urging maximum restraint and diplomacy”.

“A wider conflict would be devastating for the Middle East, particularly for civilians. Regional leaders must break the toxic cycle of escalation and retaliation which further destabilizes the region and undermines peace,” he added.

US Secretary of Defense said he spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant following Tuesday’s “outrageous act of aggression” by Iran against Israel.

“The Minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and committed to remain in close contact,” added Lloyd J. Austin in a statement on X.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement on Iran's missile strikes against Israel.

Austin said the US "fulfilled" its "commitment to partner with Israel in its defense."

The statement went on to warn Iran and said, "we will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region."

"I am deeply proud of the skill and the bravery of the U.S. troops who helped to save lives today from Iran's assault and who continue to support Israel's defense and to prevent a widening conflict or escalation."

Austin concluded his statement that he continues to monitor the situation closely.

The first question posed to Vice Presidential candidates, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, during the debate was focused on escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched hundreds of missiles on Israel.

When asked about whether either candidate supports or opposes a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran, both voiced support for Israel but disagreed on how the US should deal with Iran.

Walz focused on the importance of steady leadership and took aim at Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

"What's fundamental here is that steady leadership is going to matter. It's clear, and the world saw it on that debate stage a few weeks ago, a nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump talking about crowd sizes is not what we need in this moment," said Walz.

Vance opened up by talking about his upbringing and his mother's drug addiction. Vance later went on to say that he supports whatever Israel decides when it comes to pre-emptive strikes.

"Donald Trump actually delivered stability in the world, and he did it by establishing effective deterrence. People were afraid of stepping out of line. Iran, which launched this attack, has received over $100 billion in unfrozen assets thanks to the Kamala Harris administration. What do they use that money for?" asked Vance.