US Navy warships fired interceptors at Iranian missiles that were targeting Israel on Tuesday as part of a massive retaliatory bombardment, marking the second time American forces have done so in less than six months.

The US defensive measures occurred as Iran fired around 180 missiles at targets in Israel. The Israeli military said it also intercepted "a large number" of the missiles as civilians sought protection in shelters.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend the country from the attack.

"US naval destroyers joined Israeli air-defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles," Sullivan told reporters at a briefing. "We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel," he added, saying the attack "appears to have been defeated" and was "ineffective."