WASHINGTON: American forces in the Middle East continue to shoot down drones launched at Israel by Iran, a US defense official said Saturday.

"US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel," the official said, adding: "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region."

Germany warned Sunday that an Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel could "plunge an entire region into chaos", and urged Tehran to halt the strikes.

"We condemn the ongoing attack -- which could plunge an entire region into chaos -- in the strongest possible terms," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on X, formerly Twitter.

"Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately," she said, adding that Berlin stands "firmly by Israel."

The UK government said Saturday it was sending additional fighter jets to the Middle East and would intercept airborne attacks as needed after Iran launched strikes on Israel.

"We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refueling tankers to the region," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement. "These UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required."