US Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democratic presidential candidate, labelled Iran as a “catastrophic” and “stability-blasting” force in the Middle East while Washington pledged to protect Israel’s security. Her remarks came on Wednesday when Iran had fired ballistic missiles at Israel apparently to punish that country for its recent stepped-up operations in Lebanon. 

Iran fired eleven ballistic missiles into Israeli territory but apparently did not cause injury and was simply shrugged off by the United States as ineffective. He stressed the U.S. has a strong stance on Israel, adding that, if needed, “the military intervention, all orders to shoot down Iranian missiles was critical in helping Israel defend itself”.

 “I’m clear-eyed about Iran being a destabilising, dangerous force in the Middle East”, Harris stated. “I will always ensure that Israel retains the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias.” She added, “I fully support President Biden’s decision to have our military shoot down those Iranian missiles targeting Israel. 

Early signs indicate that Israel, with our assistance, successfully repelled this attack.” Additionally, Harris renewed the assurance that the US will work with its allies to check Iran’s aggressive acts, which means a more significant policy by Washington to contain Tehran’s influence in the region.

The rocket exchange occurred as tensions escalated following the intensification of Israel’s military onslaught in Lebanon, which it says aims to target Hezbollah militants that are financed by Tehran. The violence has resulted in hundreds of deaths so far and over a million displaced and is further escalating regional instability. 

At the same time, Israel has been launching a strongly aggressive attack on the Gaza Strip since Hamas launched its deadly assault on Israeli civilians on October 7. According to Palestinian health authorities, the Israeli shelling has killed tens of thousands of people in the territory and displaced almost the entire population. The humanitarian crisis has worsened amid international criticism and accusations of committing genocide-a charge Israel denies in totality, all amidst food shortages.

This increased military conflict confirms the serious vested interests between Israel and the surrounding states, including Iran, with the involvement of America in forming the Middle Eastern political terrain. Washington’s interest in providing Israel with assurance of security while Iran appears to be hostile is bound to continue to shape Washington’s policy in the Middle East.