Iran fired around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel late on Tuesday in a dramatic escalation of a conflict that threatens to spiral into a war across the Middle East.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate and said the unprecedented strikes would cause “vast destruction”.
The salvo of missiles was considerably bigger than April’s barrage when Iran fired 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles towards Israel.
While some missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defence, some hit military bases, restaurants and schools, according to reports.
Israel and the US called the missile strikes “ineffective”, with most intercepted by the Iron Dome defence system.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed 90 per cent of the missiles successfully hit their targets in Israel, without providing evidence.
Just minutes before the attack, six people were killed and nine were wounded in a mass shooting and stabbing attack on civilians in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv.
US and UK leaders condemned the escalation from Iran, while Tehran warned against a direct intervention by Israel’s allies.
Key Points
- Israel's Netanyahu says Iran made a big mistake and will pay
- Iran’s armed forces warn Israel against response and its allies against direct intervention
- Israeli military says Iran fired around 180 missiles hitting several targets
- US condemns Iran’s attack as significant escalation warning of ‘severe consequences'
- Starmer condemns Iran’s attack on Israel ‘in strongest terms’, says Downing Street
- Starmer warns he is ‘deeply concerned region is on the brink’
- Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation'
- At least six people killed in shooting attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police
Israel invades Lebanon and Iran retaliates in major escalation of regional conflict
04:26
Graig Graziosi
Israel has vowed revenge after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles across the country in a major escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
A salvo of around 200 ballistic missiles were fired by Tehran less than 24 hours after the Israeli military launched a ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Millions of people rushed into shelters while outside hundreds of flashes could be seen over the cities of Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Jerusalem as the Iron Dome system intercepted most of the rockets.
READ MORE:
Israel’s Middle East conflicts opens US vice presidential debate
04:00
Graig Graziosi
Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz, the US vice presidential candidates, were asked about the escalating conflict in the Middle East during the early moments of Tuesday night’s debate.
The candidates were specifically asked if they would support Israel in a pre-emptive strike against Iran, though neither answered the question directly.
Walz, the Democratic candidate, said the “expansion of Israel and its proxies is an absolute fundamental necessity for the United States to have the steady leadership there.”
Based on the context of his sentence, it appears Walz mistakenly said “Isreal” when he meant “Iran.”
Vance also dodged the question, suggesting that Iran was on the brink of obtaining a nuclear weapon and insinuated that somehow Vice President Kamala Harris could have prevented that from happening.
“Who has been the vice-president for the last three and a half years?” Vance said. “The answer is your running mate, not mine.”
ICYMI: Starmer condemns Iran’s missile attack and vows to stand with Israel
03:30
Graig Graziosi
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.
READ MORE:
Iranian missile debris reportedly falls in Jordan, injuring three
02:58
Graig Graziosi
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.
Iran’s ambassador to the UN says missile strike was self-defense
02:00
Graig Graziosi
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.”
Iran’s top military officer says Tuesday missile attack targeted Israeli military bases and Mossad’s headquarters
01:40
Graig Graziosi
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.
I was traveling with Kamala Harris as the Iran-Israel news broke. This is what happened next
01:20
Graig Graziosi
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:
IDF says it hit ‘terrorist targets’ in Beirut suburbs
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:48
Graig Graziosi
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.
Images appear to confirm that Iran used never-before-deployed advanced missiles to strike Israel
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:30
Graig Graziosi
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.
WATCH: Iran launches 200 missiles into Israel as Netanyahu vows to retaliate
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:15
Graig Graziosi
Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:03
Tara Cobham
The Israeli military has said it is striking Hezbollah targets in Beirut in a post on Telegram.
Israeli military calls Iran’s attack ‘a severe and dangerous escalation’ and vowed consequences
Tuesday 1 October 2024 23:10
Tara Cobham
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.”
Defence Secretary confirms British forces ‘played their part’ in ‘attempts to prevent Middle East escalation'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:58
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:55
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:54
Tara Cobham
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’
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:53
Tara Cobham
Biden says consequences for Iran remain to be seen after Israel attack
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:53
Tara Cobham
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'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:51
Tara Cobham
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 against response and its allies against direct intervention
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:50
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:49
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:49
Tara Cobham
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
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:47
Tara Cobham
Full story: At least six people killed in suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:45
Tara Cobham
At least six people have been killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli police have said.
The force said two “terrorists” started the killing spree on the Israeli capital’s light railway and continued on foot before being shot dead by civilians and officers in the neighbourhood of Jaffa on Tuesday.
The news broke in local media reports at around 5.15pm (BST), just moments before air raid sirens began sounding across Israel as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the country.
Read the full story here:
Iran's action against Israel concluded unless Israel 'invites further retaliation', foreign minister says
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:44
Tara Cobham
Iran exercised "self-defence" against Israel and its action is concluded unless the "Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation", Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X early on Wednesday.
Tehran launched a salvo of missiles on Tuesday against Israel in retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups.
Earlier this evening, we exercised self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting solely military & security sites in charge of genocide in #Gaza and #Lebanon.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) October 1, 2024
We did so after exercising tremendous restraint for almost two months, to give space for a ceasefire in… pic.twitter.com/SJJrAhxIdN
Israeli military urges residents to evacuate new areas in Beirut southern suburbs
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:42
Tara Cobham
The Israeli military issued new orders for evacuation in the southern suburbs of Beirut early on Wednesday, warning in a statement that it will hit Hezbollah targets in buildings there.
Kamala Harris calls Iran a destabilising force in Middle East
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:42
Tara Cobham
US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that Iran was a "dangerous" and "destabilising" force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israel's security.
The comments from Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the 5 November US election, came hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, drawing vows of a sharp response from Israel and the US.
No injuries were reported in Israel and Washington called Iran's attack ineffective.
"I'm clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris said. "I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias."
"I fully support President [Joe] Biden's order for the US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel," Harris said. "Initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack."
Harris added that Washington will work with its allies to disrupt what she called Iran's "aggressive behavior”.
Watch: Starmer ‘deeply concerned’ after Iran launches missiles at Israel
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:33
Tara Cobham
Sunak stanks ‘unequivocally by Israel’s right to defend itself'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:30
Tara Cobham
Rishi Sunak has said his party stands “unequivocally by Israel’s right to defend itself”.
The Conservative leader said: "Tonight's attacks on Israel by Iran are a stark reminder of the existential threat it faces. We stand unequivocally by Israel's right to defend itself including against Hezbollah in Lebanon."
Israeli military says it will choose when to 'prove surprising attack capabilities'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:15
Tara Cobham
The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it will choose when to “prove our precise and surprising attack capabilities” following Iran’s attack, adding that Israel had proven its ability “to prevent the enemy from achieving anything”.
UK Foreign Secretary warns against ‘cycle of escalation’ as he condemned missile attack
Tuesday 1 October 2024 22:00
Tara Cobham
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned against a "cycle of escalation" as he condemned the missile attack on Israel.
He said: "I condemn Iran's attack on Israel in the strongest terms.
"Today I warned Iran against taking action that could push the region further towards the brink. A cycle of escalation is in no-one's interest."
EU condemns Iran’s attack on Israel and urges regional ceasefire
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:45
Tara Cobham
The European Union on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire across the Middle East.
"The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks ... spiralling out of control," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X. "An immediate ceasefire across the region is needed."
The EU condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack against Israel.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 1, 2024
The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks to spiralling out of control. An immediate ceasefire across the region is needed.
The EU remains fully committed to contribute to avert a regional war.
Starmer would not be drawn on any British military involvement in defence of Israel
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:30
Tara Cobham
The UK Prime Minister would not be drawn on any British military involvement in the defence of Israel.
"This, as you will appreciate, is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self-defence and any relevant updates will be provided in due course," he told reporters.
Sir Keir Starmer said his diplomatic efforts had been focused on the need to find a political solution.
"We have to find a route to de-escalate on all fronts. And in the end, the only solution here is a political solution. So my calls have been about the importance of creating space and the conditions for that de-escalation and to find that political route forward."
He said with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu he "was able to make the case for a ceasefire in Gaza, and importantly, to repeat that the hostages must be released unconditionally and immediately, because we must never lose sight of the hostages who have been held for such a long time now".
Asked whether he was calling for restraint in Israel's response to Iran, he said: "My message, very clearly, tonight is to condemn this attack by Iran, to recognise in clear terms Israel's right to security and to defend herself, and I say that in absolutely clear terms. Obviously, I think, all parties are concerned to ensure this doesn't spiral into a much bigger conflict. But on the principle of Israel's right to self-defence, I've been very, very clear."
Starmer warns he is ‘deeply concerned region is on the brink’
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:20
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer has warned he is “deeply concerned that the region is on the brink”.
In a televised address from Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister also said that Britain stands with Israel.
Iran calls on UN to prevent further escalation in Middle East tensions, foreign ministry statement says
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:15
Tara Cobham
Iran's foreign ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to take "meaningful action" to prevent threats against regional peace and security, after Tehran launched a salvo of missiles on Tuesday against Israel in retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups.
Starmer condemns Iran’s missile attack and vows to protect Israel
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:00
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer “condemned Iran’s attack on Israel in the strongest terms” after speaking to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, a Downing Street spokesperson has said.
The attack on Israel “began during the leader’s conversation,” the spokesperson said. In the same call, Sir Keir also “underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon”.
Iran said it fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday.
Caitlin Doherty reports:
Iran says they used hypersonic ‘fattah’ missile ‘for first time’ in attack, reports state TV
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:51
Tara Cobham
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have said they used hypersonic ‘fattah’ missiles “for the first time” in its missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, Iranian state TV has reported.
In a statement, they also updated the number of successful targets they claimed to have hit in Israel to 90 per cent.
Jordan reopens airspace, state news agency says
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:49
Tara Cobham
Jordan reopened its airspace on Tuesday following a salvo of Iranian ballistic missiles fired towards neighbouring Israel, the Jordanian state news agency reported.
Iran did not give US prior notice of Israel attack, says Iran's UN mission
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:48
Tara Cobham
Iran did not give the United States prior notice of its attack on Israel on Tuesday, Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York said.
"No notice was given to the United States prior to our response; however, a serious warning was issued afterwards," the Iranian mission said in a statement.
Iran’s ballistic missile attack appears to have been defeated, says US National Security adviser
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:48
Tara Cobham
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that Iran's attack on Israel appeared to have been defeated, although President Biden's administration was still monitoring a "fluid" situation.
Sullivan said the administration was tracking the reported death of a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank.
US destroyers joined Israel against ‘defeated and ineffective’ Iranian attack, says US official
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:48
Tara Cobham
US destroyers joined Israeli air units against the “defeated and ineffective” Iranian ballistic missile attack, a US official has said.
Iran’s President says Tehran issued ‘decisive response’ against Israel
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:47
Tara Cobham
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran issued a “decisive response” against Israel.
بر اساس حقوق مشروع و با هدف صلح و امنیت برای ایران و منطقه، پاسخ قاطع به تجاوزات رژیم صهیونیستی داده شد. این اقدام در دفاع از منافع و اتباع ایرانی بود. نتانیاهو بداند، ایران جنگطلب نیست اما در برابر هر تهدیدی قاطعانه میایستد. این تنها گوشهای از توان ماست. با ایران وارد درگیری…
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) October 1, 2024
Iran say they targeted three Israeli military bases in missile attack, reports local media
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:39
Tara Cobham
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards has said they targeted three Israeli military bases in its missile attack, according to an Iranian news agency.
US calls on every nation to join it in condemning Iran's attack on Israel
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:30
Tara Cobham
The United States on Tuesday called on every nation in the world to join it in condemning Iran's attack on Israel after Tehran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel, which the State Department said was a brazen and unacceptable attack.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Washington at this time was not aware of any damage to US facilities in the attack. He said the US had no warning from the government of Iran that they were going to launch such an attack.
US Navy destroyers fired dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles, Pentagon says
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:29
Tara Cobham
The Pentagon said on Tuesday that two US Navy destroyers fired about a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.
Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder told reporters that no other US military assets were used to shoot down the missiles, which were all fired from inside Iran.
US condemns Iran’s attack as significant escalation warning of ‘severe consequences'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:28
Tara Cobham
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has condemned Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel as a significant escalation, warning of “severe consequences” after he said the country launched almost 200 missiles.
He added that Israel appeared to have defeated the attack without loss of life.
"This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel," Sullivan told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.
"We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case," he said.
Sullivan said President Biden's administration was still monitoring the situation and consulting with the Israelis on next steps in terms of a response. He also said that the administration was tracking the reported death of a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank.
He added that the US coordinated with the Israeli military to help defend Israel from the attack.
US working with airlines to provide additional flights out of Lebanon with seats for Americans
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:28
Tara Cobham
The United States is working with airlines to provide additional flights out of Lebanon with more seats for Americans, the State Department said on Tuesday, after Israel said overnight that its troops had launched ground raids into Lebanon.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters that around 6,000 US citizens in Lebanon have registered with the U.S. for information on how to depart the country, though he said not all were seeking assistance with departing.
White House says Biden will ‘work with Israel’ to ensure ‘severe consequences’
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:27
Tara Cobham
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US will work closely with Israeli officials to determine what the response would be to nearly 200 missile attacks aimed at Israel on Tuesday, while declaring that there would be “severe consequences” for the strike.
At a White House press briefing that took place minutes after the last blasts ended in Tel Aviv, Sullivan said that Iran’s strikes marked a serious escalation of the conflict which began on October 7, 2023 and now threatens to engulf much of the Middle East. He added that initial conversations had taken place between the White House and Israeli prime minister’s office in the wake of the attacks, though he did not read out any plans for a call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“This is a fluid situation. We will consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of the response and how to deal with what Iran has just done, and we will continue to monitor for further threats and attacks from Iran and its proxies,” said the US national security adviser. “We are particularly focused on protecting US service members in the region.”
My colleague John Bowden reports from Washington DC:
As Iran retaliates for Israel’s Lebanon campaign against Hezbollah – what comes next for the Middle East?
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:26
Chris Stevenson
The missiles lit up the sky across Israel, explosions ringing out as they were intercepted or they hit the ground. Civilians across the country were asked to stay in shelters while air raid sirens blared.
It is not the first time Iran has fired on Israel this year, Tehran launched more than 330 drones and missiles against its most bitter adversary in April – retaliating for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. That attack, the first such strike ever, took a number of hours to complete compared to the one on Tuesday night, with the drones taking some time to reach Israel. Alongside help from allies such as the US and the UK, Israel said it had intercepted 99 per cent of the projectiles that day, in what was a highly-telegraphed move by Iran.
In the wake of that barrage, Tehran said it considered the matter “concluded” although it would respond if Israel struck back.
Read more here:
Starmer condemns Iran’s attack on Israel ‘in strongest terms’, says Downing Street
Tuesday 1 October 2024 20:01
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer has condemned Iran’s attack on Israel “in the strongest terms” as he expressed the UK’s “steadfast commitment” to Israeli security.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the British prime minister spoke with Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, and the leaders discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East, when Iran’s attack on Israel began during the leaders’ conversation.
The spokesperon said: “The Prime Minister spoke to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.
“The Prime Minister condemned Iran’s attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders’ conversation, and expressed the UK’s steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians.
“During the call, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.
“The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Gaza and the importance of a ceasefire and action to bring home the hostages.”
Israeli military says Iran fired around 180 missiles hitting several targets
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:56
Chief international correspondent Bel Trew
The Israeli military has said around 180 missiles were fired towards Israel from Iran in Tuesday’s attack.
An Israeli security official said “several” targets were hit, with the damage currently assessed.
They added that the Israeli Air Force intercepted most of the missiles, operating in an “effective and precise manner”.
Israeli media report Israel military will conduct 'powerful strikes' tonight throughout the Middle East
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:52
Tara Cobham
Israeli media cited Israel's military as saying on Tuesday that the air force will continue conducting "powerful strikes" tonight throughout the Middle East, hours after Iran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel.
Tugendhat calls Iran’s attack ‘barbaric’ and a ‘horrible escalation’ in conflict
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:51
Tara Cobham
Tom Tugendhat MP has called Iran’s attack on Israel today “barbaric” and a “horrible escalation” in the conflict in the Middle East.
In a post on X, the Conservative leadership candidate said: “Iran’s barbaric attack on Israel is a horrific escalation to this conflict.
“Tonight, more than ever, I will be praying for Israel.”
Iran’s barbaric attack on Israel is a horrific escalation to this conflict.
— Tom Tugendhat (@TomTugendhat) October 1, 2024
Tonight, more than ever, I will be praying for Israel.
Full story: Israel invades Lebanon and Iran retaliates in major escalation of regional conflict
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:47
Tara Cobham
Israel has invaded Lebanon in a major escalation of the regional conflict as Iran retaliated by firing hundreds of missiles at major cities across the country, forcing millions of Israelis into bomb shelters.
Hundreds of air defence missiles flashed over the cities of Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Jerusalem in an attempt to intercept the Iranian rockets as sirens sounded throughout the country. The Israeli military said the attacks were aimed at 10 million Israeli citizens, though no injuries were reported in the initial findings.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was rushed into a security meeting in a secure bunker near Jerusalem as they worked up a response to the massive onslaught, officials said. US president Joe Biden announced it had directed the US military to aid Israel’s defence.
Tom Watling and Cosette Molijn, from Beirut, report:
Israeli military says it killed commander of Hezbollah-linked group in Beirut
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:38
Tara Cobham
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.
Moment journalist forced to abandon live report and run for cover as Iran fires missiles on Tel Aviv
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:36
Tara Cobham
In pictures: Shooting attack in Tel Aviv
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:35
Tara Cobham
Hamas praises Iranian missile strikes avenging deaths of Haniyeh, Nasrallah, and Nilforoushan
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:31
Tara Cobham
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.
Jenrick condemns Iran’s ‘terrible’ attack and calls for UK to give Israel ‘all support to win war'
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:31
Tara Cobham
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.”
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…
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) October 1, 2024
Tehran informed Russia ahead of missile attacks on Israel, says official
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:23
Tara Cobham
Tehran had informed Russia ahead of Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.
At least six people killed in shooting attack in Tel Aviv, say Israeli police
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:19
Tara Cobham
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.
Israeli military orders closure of new military area in northern Israel, statement says
Tuesday 1 October 2024 19:16
Tara Cobham
Israeli military ordered the closure of a ne