The US has not yet decided whether to deploy a missile defense system in Israel.
The Pentagon said the U.S. has not yet made a decision on deploying the THAAD missile defense system in Israel.
According to RIA Novosti on October 13, a Pentagon official told RIA Novosti that, at this stage, the US has not made a decision regarding the possibility of deploying the THAAD missile defense system in Israel to intercept ballistic missiles from Iran.
"A decision on this matter has not yet been made," a U.S. defense official said.
On October 12, Israeli television channel Channel 12 reported, without citing sources, that the US intends to deploy THAAD systems in Israel in preparation for a potential new Iranian attack. Speculation suggests these systems will be deployed by US military personnel in Israel. The report did not specify the exact number of missile defense systems in question.
The U.S. has consulted with Israel on a plan to respond to Iran's October 1 missile attack. U.S. officials said they do not want Israel to target Iranian nuclear or oil facilities. In a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 10, U.S. President Joe Biden said Israel should only retaliate "proportionately."
Meanwhile, an Israeli official said on October 12 that the Israeli security cabinet had not yet made a decision on how to retaliate.
According to Reuters, the Iranian government is urgently pursuing diplomatic efforts with Middle Eastern countries, hoping they can restrain Israeli retaliation against Tehran.
Iran is particularly interested in receiving help from Saudi Arabia in preventing an Israeli attack and using their influence with the US to help find a solution to the crisis.
