Israel - Iran missile attack latest: Tehran threatens ‘more crushing attacks’ as US warns of ‘severe consequences’
Iran fired 180 missiles today in retaliatory attack for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon
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Iran has threatened “more crushing and destructive” attacks after firing two waves of missiles at Israel as the US has warned of “severe consequences” after Tehran’s bombardment.
Iran’s revolutionary guards said they fired dozens of missiles on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including its killing of the group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah.
They warned that if Israel retaliated, Tehran’s response would be “more crushing and destructive”, Iranian state TV reported.
The Israeli military said around 180 missiles were fired as civilians took cover in bomb shelters with sirens sounding across the country.
No injuries have been reported so far, with the all-clear sounded after less than an hour.
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
Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation'
Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed British forces "played their part" on Tuesday evening in "attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East".
In a statement, Mr Healey said: "I completely condemn Iran's attack against Israel.
"British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
"I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
"The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats."
Israel's Netanyahu says Iran made a big mistake and will pay
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran's missile attack on Israel failed and vowed retaliation.
"Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it," he said at the outset of a political-security meeting. "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies."
Starmer says he and German Chancellor condemn Iran’s attack on Israel
Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer spoke to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday evening.
"The Prime Minister and Chancellor condemned Iran's attack on Israel this evening, underscoring the importance of Israel's security," a spokesperson said.
"The leaders agreed that further escalation was in nobody's interest and that all sides should show restraint.
"On Lebanon, the Prime Minister underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
"They agreed to speak soon."
Watch: Harris says Iran ‘dangerous and de-stabling influence in Middle East’
Biden says consequences for Iran remain to be seen after Israel attack
US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that there was an active discussion ongoing over how Israel would respond to an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and that the consequences for Tehran remain to be seen.
Biden, speaking at the White House, said he would be speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Iran's attack appeared to have been ineffective.
Starmer says Iran has ‘menaced the Middle East for far too long'
Sir Keir Starmer said Iran has "menaced the Middle East for far too long" as he condemned the attack on Israel.
"We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression," he said in a statement in Downing Street.
"Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.
"Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people."
Iran's armed forces warn Israel's allies against direct intervention
Iran's armed forces said on Tuesday they would target the "bases and interests" of Israel's backers in the region if they directly intervene against Tehran, adding that any Israeli response to its missile attack would be met with "vast destruction" of Israeli infrastructure.
Iraq reopens airspace after closure due to Iranian strikes on Israel
Iraq's transport ministry announced the reopening of Iraqi airspace to incoming and outgoing civilian flights at Iraqi airports, state media reported on Tuesday, after a brief closure due to Iranian strikes on Israel.
Israeli attacks on Lebanon kill 55 on Tuesday, health ministry says
Fifty-five people were killed and 156 wounded in Israeli attacks across Lebanon on Tuesday, the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement.
Watch: Biden calls Iran attack ‘defeated and ineffective’ and says US ‘fully supportive’ of Israel
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