U.S. helps intercept Iran missiles targeted at Israel: report

HOUSTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The United States helped intercept Iranian missiles targeted at Israel, The Associated Press (AP) reported on Friday, citing a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity.

Both U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft and destroyer-based missile defenses have intercepted missiles in previous attacks, said the report.

The United States has been moving assets nearer to Israel to assist in missile intercepts and provide better protection of U.S. bases in the region, the report added.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has directed destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, equipped to defend against ballistic missiles, to begin sailing toward the eastern Mediterranean, AP reported.

The second destroyer also has begun moving forward so it can be available if requested by the White House, the report added.

Shortly after Israel launched strikes, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday night that the United States was "not involved" in Israel's "unilateral action against Iran," warning Iran not to target U.S. forces in the Middle East in retaliation. Enditem