Israel - Iran missile attack latest: Netanyahu vows retaliation as Tehran threatens ‘vast destruction’

Iran exercised "self-defence" against Israel and its action is concluded unless the "Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X early on Wednesday.

Tehran launched a salvo of missiles on Tuesday against Israel in retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups.

The Israeli military issued new orders for evacuation in the southern suburbs of Beirut early on Wednesday, warning in a statement that it will hit Hezbollah targets in buildings there.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that Iran was a "dangerous" and "destabilising" force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israel's security.

The comments from Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the 5 November US election, came hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, drawing vows of a sharp response from Israel and the US.

No injuries were reported in Israel and Washington called Iran's attack ineffective.

"I'm clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris said. "I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias."

"I fully support President [Joe] Biden's order for the US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel," Harris said. "Initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack."

Harris added that Washington will work with its allies to disrupt what she called Iran's "aggressive behavior”.

Rishi Sunak has said his party stands “unequivocally by Israel’s right to defend itself”.

The Conservative leader said: "Tonight's attacks on Israel by Iran are a stark reminder of the existential threat it faces. We stand unequivocally by Israel's right to defend itself including against Hezbollah in Lebanon."

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it will choose when to “prove our precise and surprising attack capabilities” following Iran’s attack, adding that Israel had proven its ability “to prevent the enemy from achieving anything”.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned against a "cycle of escalation" as he condemned the missile attack on Israel.

He said: "I condemn Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms.

"Today I warned Iran against taking action that could push the region further towards the brink. A cycle of escalation is in no-one's interest."

The European Union on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire across the Middle East.

"The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks ... spiralling out of control," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X. "An immediate ceasefire across the region is needed."

The UK Prime Minister would not be drawn on any British military involvement in the defence of Israel.

"This, as you will appreciate, is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self-defence and any relevant updates will be provided in due course," he told reporters.

Sir Keir Starmer said his diplomatic efforts had been focused on the need to find a political solution.

"We have to find a route to de-escalate on all fronts. And in the end, the only solution here is a political solution. So my calls have been about the importance of creating space and the conditions for that de-escalation and to find that political route forward."

He said with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he "was able to make the case for a ceasefire in Gaza, and importantly, to repeat that the hostages must be released unconditionally and immediately, because we must never lose sight of the hostages who have been held for such a long time now".

Asked whether he was calling for restraint in Israel's response to Iran, he said: "My message, very clearly, tonight is to condemn this attack by Iran, to recognise in clear terms Israel's right to security and to defend herself, and I say that in absolutely clear terms. Obviously, I think, all parties are concerned to ensure this doesn't spiral into a much bigger conflict. But on the principle of Israel's right to self-defence, I've been very, very clear."

Sir Keir Starmer has warned he is “deeply concerned that the region is on the brink”.

In a televised address from Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister also said that Britain stands with Israel.