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

Fears of wider war raised after US says Iran fired almost 200 missiles in what Tehran called a retaliatory attack for Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah allies in Lebanon

Iran launches barrage of missiles on Israel as explosions heard across Tel Aviv

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Head shot of Eric Garcia

Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation for Iran’s missile attack as Tehran has threatened “vast destruction” will follow any Israeli response, raising fears of a wider war.

As US and UK leaders condemned the bombardment on Tuesday, Iran's armed forces warned direct intervention by Israel's supporters would provoke a "strong attack" on their "bases and interests" in the region, adding that any Israeli response would be met with “vast destruction” of Israeli infrastructure.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister warned: “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.”

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said the assault was in retaliation for Israeli killings of militant leaders and aggression in Lebanon against the Iran-backed armed movement Hezbollah and in Gaza.

The Israeli military said around 180 missiles were fired as civilians took cover in bomb shelters with sirens sounding across the country.

It came as Israeli police said at least six people were killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv, just minutes before Iran launched its strikes.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack “in the strongest terms” as he expressed his deep concern that the region “is on the brink”, while US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned of “severe consequences” after the “significant escalation”.

The bombardment comes less than 24 hours after Israel announced it was carrying out “targeted” raids into southern Lebanon. It is the first time Israel has invaded its northern neighbour since 2006, when the two engaged in a month-long all-out war.

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Israeli military says it killed commander of Hezbollah-linked group in Beirut

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it killed the commander of the Imam Hussein division in Beirut, a Hezbollah-linked group based in Syria, Al-Faqar Hanawi, in parallel with killing Muhammad Jaafar Qasir, a commander in charge of weapons transfers from Iran and its affiliates to Lebanese armed group Hezbollah earlier in the day.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:38
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Moment journalist forced to abandon live report and run for cover as Iran fires missiles on Tel Aviv

Moment journalist abandons report to run for cover as Iran fires missiles on Tel Aviv

A journalist was forced to abandon his live television broadcast and run for cover as Iran launched a missile attack on Israel. CNN correspondent Jim Scuitto was reporting from a Tel Aviv rooftop on Tuesday evening (1 October), as Iran launched a barrage of missiles on the country. As flashes of orange flames lit up the sky, a live bang was suddenly heard. Scuitto said: “We’ve got to get off the roof. These are coming down right next to us here. We got to go inside.” The correspondent was rushed into a bomb shelter as rockets fell from the sky.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:36
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In pictures: Shooting attack in Tel Aviv

Armed Israeli police officers keep watch near a cordon at the site of a shooting incident in Tel Aviv on Tuesday
Armed Israeli police officers keep watch near a cordon at the site of a shooting incident in Tel Aviv on Tuesday (EPA)
Israeli security and police officers inspect the site of the shooting attack
Israeli security and police officers inspect the site of the shooting attack (EPA)
Two gunmen have been 'neutralized' on site, police said
Two gunmen have been 'neutralized' on site, police said (EPA)
Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:35
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Hamas praises Iranian missile strikes avenging deaths of Haniyeh, Nasrallah, and Nilforoushan

Hamas said on Tuesday it praises Iranian missile strikes avenging deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:31
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Jenrick condemns Iran’s ‘terrible’ attack and calls for UK to give Israel ‘all support to win war'

Robert Jenrick MP has condemned the attack by Iran against Israel as “terrible and unprovoked” as he called for the UK to give Israel “all the support necesary to win this war”.

In a post on X on Tuesday evening, the Conservative leadership candidate said: “Tonight we have seen a terrible and unprovoked attack against Israel by Iran, the world’s chief sponsor of terrorism.

“There can be no more appeasement. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, our ally, just as we have with Ukraine. All the support necessary to win this war must be given to Israel so they can defeat the evil Iranian regime.”

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:31
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Tehran informed Russia ahead of missile attacks on Israel, says official

Tehran had informed Russia ahead of Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:23
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At least six people killed in shooting attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police

At least six people were killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said.

They said that two "terrorists" started a killing spree on the Tel Aviv light rail and continued on foot before being killed by civilians and inspectors using personal pistols.

The attack took place minutes before Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.

TV footage showed gunmen getting off at a light rail station and opening fire.

Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report at 7:01pm (16:01 GMT) of people injured by gunfire.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site medical treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA said.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:19
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Israeli military orders closure of new military area in northern Israel, statement says

Israeli military ordered the closure of a new military area in the region of Dovov, Tivbon and Malkia in northern Israel, it said on Tuesday.

Entering this area is strictly prohibited, the Israeli army added in a statement.

Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:16
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UK ‘completely condemns’ Iran’s actions, says No 10 spokesperson

A No 10 spokesperson has said that “the UK completely condemns Iran’s actions”.

Political editor David Maddox1 October 2024 19:16
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Starmer speaks with Netanyahu, according to reports

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the King of Jordan, Sky News has reported, as Iran launched missiles at Israel.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reportedly spoke with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (PA Wire)
Tara Cobham1 October 2024 19:08

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