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
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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.
Mapped: Where has Israel fired missiles around the Middle East?
Israel kills Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in strike marking major escalation in conflict
Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Why is Lebanon being attacked and will there be a ceasefire?
The killing of Hezbollah’s leader will make Israel no safer
‘We have lost everything’: Britons fleeing Lebanon say family was wiped out by airstrike
Watch: Israeli military releases footage claiming to show previous ground operations in Lebanon
The Independent journalist with Kamala Harris when Iran launched attack
The Independent's head of Washington DC bureau Eric Garcia was en route to an event with Kamala Harris and a group of journalists when Iran launched their attack on Israel.
The scheduled event appears to have been delayed, and the van of journalists is currently stationed outside the West Wing. The mood is silent and tense.
Mapped: Israel ordered civilians to take cover in bomb shelters as Iran launches missiles
Civilians across Israel took shelter as air raid sirens sounded across the country, as Iran launched a barrage of missiles in a major escalation.
Explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley as Israelis could be seen piling into bomb shleters with reporters on state television laying flat on the ground during live broadcasts.
In a post on social media, the Israel Defence Forces shared a graphic showing the location of projectile targets, with the caption: “Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.”
My colleague Holly Evans reports:
Israel ordered civilians to take cover in bomb shelters as Iran launches missiles
Pictures show families taking shelter under vehicles and under bridges
Former British foreign secretary Cleverly calls for UK to defend Israel
Former British foreign secretary James Cleverly has called for the UK to “stand with Israel” to defend the country from attacks.
In a post on X following Iran’s missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, the shadow home secretary said: “What we are seeing this evening in Israel is an attack on an ally. It is being attacked by a country that wants to wipe it off the map.
“In April, the UK and its allies defended Israel. The UK Government must do the same now. We must stand with Israel.”
Lebanon's airspace closed for two hours, transport minister says
Lebanon’s airspace will be closed to air traffic for a two-hour period on Tuesday, Transport Minister Ali Hamie said on X.
Israel military warns Iran attack will have consequences
Iran’s missile attack on Tuesday was serious and will have consequences, Israel‘s military spokesman said, declining to specify how and when Israel would respond.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said he was not aware of any casualties from the missile volley. He said there were a few hits in the centre of the country and in the south.
Iran warns Israel will be targeted once more if it retaliates
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has warned Israel will be targeted once more if it retaliates after Tehran fired dozens of missiles at the country.
US and Israeli defence secretaries discussed ‘severe consequences’ if Iran attacked Israel
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said he spoke with Israel’s Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant earlier on Tuesday to discuss the “severe consequences” for Iran in the event that Iran choosed to launch a direct military attack against Israel.
Iran has now fired dozens of missiles of Israel.
As many as 200 missiles launched into Israel from Iran, say Israeli officials
As many as 200 missiles were launched into Israel from Iran during a two-wave attack, two Israeli officials have said, according to Axios.
Fireworks seen in Beirut after Iranian attack on Israel, say witnesses
Fireworks have been seen in Beirut after the Iranian attack on Israel, Reuters witnesses have said.
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