Washington Deploys Additional THAAD Battery to Israel Amid Fears of Iranian Retaliation

In a significant military move, the United States has delivered a second THAAD missile defence system to Israeli-occupied territory in recent days, according to Israeli media sources. The deployment comes six months after Iran’s last direct strike on Israel and amid rising tensions over Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Israel’s public broadcaster (KAN) and the daily Maariv, a massive U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft transferred critical components of the advanced system to an Israeli Air Force base, though the specific location was not disclosed.

This latest action coincides with an escalation in Washington’s pressure on Tehran, as U.S. President Donald Trump recently issued a “final deadline” for Iran to respond regarding its nuclear activities. At the same time, the U.S. has dispatched strategic bombers to the Indian Ocean and deployed dozens of fighter jets across the region.

Israel Braces for Potential Iranian Missile Strike

Israeli military officials are reportedly preparing for what they call a “strategic miscalculation” by Iran, which could involve a large-scale missile and drone barrage targeting multiple Israeli military and civilian sites.

Preparations are also being directed toward threats emanating not only from Iran but also from Yemen, which Israel now labels as a significant regional source of resistance.

An Israeli security official told the national broadcaster Sunday evening:

“Israel and the United States are operating in full coordination and are preparing for all possible scenarios.”

What Is the THAAD System?

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is considered one of the most advanced missile defence systems in the world. Designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, it can neutralise threats during the final stage of their flight, whether in the upper atmosphere or just outside Earth’s orbit.

THAAD’s deployment is viewed as a symbol of U.S. military commitment to Israel, but also as a clear signal to Tehran amid increasing regional instability.

Iran’s Response: Retaliation for Assassinations

On October 1, 2024, Iran launched its second direct strike on Israeli targets within the same year, firing over 180 missiles. This retaliation followed a series of Israeli- and U.S.-linked assassinations, including:

• • The martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, in Tehran

• • The assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut

• • And continued Israeli massacres in Gaza and southern Lebanon, where civilian casualties have reached unprecedented levels

While the U.S. presents its moves as “defensive,” critics argue that Washington’s unrelenting support for Israeli military operations has only fueled regional instability, potentially igniting a broader conflict that could engulf multiple fronts from Lebanon to Yemen to the Persian Gulf.

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