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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.
ICYMI: Starmer condemns Iran’s missile attack and vows to stand with Israel
Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain stands with Israel and supports the “reasonable demand for the security of its people” after an attack on the country by Iran.
In a statement from Downing Street on Tuesday evening, the prime minister said Tehran has “menaced the Middle East for far too long” and called on the country to “stop these attacks”.
“We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression,” he said.
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 03:30
Iranian missile debris reportedly falls in Jordan, injuring three
A Jordanian official said that parts of an Iranian missile fell in its territory on Tuesday after Tehran lauched a strike at Israel.
Government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani told state-run media outlet Al-Mamlaka TV that the missile debris injured three people.
Jordan, located between Iran and Israel, is a US ally and has a peace treaty with Israel. Jordanian Air Force units assisted in the interception of Iran’s missiles, according to a Jordanian official. Al-Momani said the nation “won’t be a place for anyone’s conflict” and that its citizens would also be the first priority of the Jordanian government.
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 02:58
Iran’s ambassador to the UN says missile strike was self-defense
Iran’s UN ambassador in New York has claimed Tehran’s missile strike against Israel on Tuesday was an act of self-defense.
Amir Saied Iravani, Iran’s UN ambassador, provided letters to the UN Security Council claiming the attack was a justified retaliation for Israel’s assassination of senior leaders in Hamas and Hezbollah.
He also issued a warning that action against Iran would be returned with “decisive” action, according to a report by the BBC.
Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had made a “big mistake” that it would “pay for.”
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 02:00
Iran’s top military officer says Tuesday missile attack targeted Israeli military bases and Mossad’s headquarters
Mohammad Bagheri, the top military officer in Iran, appeared on state television early Wednesday local time and said Tehran’s missile strike targeted three Israeli military bases and Mossad’s headquarters.
Mossad is Israel’s intelligence agency. The bases targeted in the missile strike were Nevatim, Hatzerim, and Tel Nof, according to the New York Times.
Bagheri said that Iran intentionally avoided targeting any civilian structures or infrastructure.
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 01:40
I was traveling with Kamala Harris as the Iran-Israel news broke. This is what happened next
The Independent’s Eric Garcia recounts the moment he — working in the White House press pool — learned of Iran’s attack on Israel and what unfolded shortly after.
Read his account of the day below:
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 01:20
IDF says it hit ‘terrorist targets’ in Beirut suburbs
The IDF confirmed early on Wednesday local time that it had hit what it described as “terrorist targets” in the southern suburbs of Beirut. An evacuation warning was reportedly sent to the area prior to the strike.
A strike against Lebanon’s capital on Friday killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
On Tuesday, Iran responded to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon by launching more than 100 missiles at the nation.
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 00:48
Images appear to confirm that Iran used never-before-deployed advanced missiles to strike Israel
Images coming out of Israel following Iran’s missile attack appear to confirm that Tehran deployed its advanced Fattah missiles.
According to reporting by the New York Times, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed that they did use the missiles in Tuesday’s attack, and that the missles had never been used prior to the attack.
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 00:30
WATCH: Iran launches 200 missiles into Israel as Netanyahu vows to retaliate
Graig Graziosi2 October 2024 00:15
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut
The Israeli military has said it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut in a post on Telegram.
Tara Cobham2 October 2024 00:03
Israeli military calls Iran’s attack ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ and vowed consequences
The Israeli military has called Iran’s attack a “severe and dangerous escalation” and vowed consequences.
Israel Defence Forces Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said: “There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
“Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.
“Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
“Iran and its proxies have been attacking Israel since the 7th of October on 7 fronts. Iran and its proxies seek the destruction of Israel.
“The Israel Defense Forces will continue doing everything necessary to defend the State of Israel and protect the people of Israel.”
Tara Cobham1 October 2024 23:10
