Israel - Iran missile attack latest: Netanyahu vows retaliation as Tehran threatens ‘vast destruction’
Iran fired 180 missiles today in retaliatory attack for Israel’s campaign against Tehran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
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.
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
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.
Israeli army radio says flights to and from Ben Gurion airport halted
Israeli army radio said that take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have stopped after Iran launched missiles towards Israel.
Jordan temporarily suspends air traffic, state news agency says
Jordan on Tuesday temporarily suspended air traffic following a salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles fired towards neighbouring Israel, the Jordanian state news agency said.
In pictures: Iran fires missiles at Israel
Starmer calling international leaders ahead of a statement
The Independent understands that the prime minister is making a series of calls to international leaders in the Middle East as well as US president Joe Biden and European allies before issuing a statement, reports political editor David Maddox.
Sir Keir Starmer has already spoken to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the King of Jordan.
Other calls are ongoing as the US is understood to be leading efforts to help Israel defend itself against the Iranian missile attack.
UK assets in Cyprus are also understood to be on standby.
Watch: Iran launches barrage of missiles on Israel as explosions heard across Tel Aviv
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments