Israel - Iran missile attack latest: Netanyahu vows retaliation as Tehran threatens ‘vast destruction’

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.