"In accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel," the official said. "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region."

As the international community scrambles to respond to Iran’s attack, analysts warn a wider war is here – but there is still time to reverse course.

The barrage of more than 180 missiles Tuesday left only scattered damage but was seen as a major provocation in an increasingly tense moment for the region.