Israel vows to retaliate after Iran fires nearly 200 missiles in 'extensive' attack

Iran has unleashed a wave of missiles targeting Israel, which Benjamin Netanyahu described as a "significant error," warning that there will be consequences.

As expected by authorities, almost 200 missiles were fired on Tuesday evening, as reported by Israel's military radio.

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The assault, carried out as a response to Israel's actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, represents a major intensification of the conflict in the Middle East.

World leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have already criticized Iran's actions. Meanwhile, the United States has stated that it contributed to supporting its ally Israel in its defense efforts.

On Tuesday afternoon, a US official warned that an Iranian missile strike on Israel was "imminent" and expected to happen within hours. Shortly after 5:30 PM UK time, sirens began to wail throughout the country as rockets started to fly in.

Loud explosions could be heard in Tel Aviv and around Jerusalem, but it wasn't immediately obvious whether the sounds were due to missiles hitting the ground, being shot down by Israeli defense systems, or a combination of both.

Israelis had previously received warnings to find safety, with alerts sent to their mobile devices and aired on national TV. The Israeli military stated that all civilians had taken refuge in bomb shelters while the rockets were launched.

According to witnesses speaking to Reuters, many missiles were observed soaring through the skies over central Jordan. In response, the Jordanian military urged its citizens to remain indoors for their own safety.

Jordan's national news outlet quickly reported that its airspace would be temporarily closed, with the restriction lifting at approximately 7:55 PM UK time. In response to the ongoing circumstances, Kuwait Airways indicated it would be altering several of its flight paths.

Flights coming in and going out of Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport were put on hold for approximately an hour.

While covering the situation near the Israel-Lebanon border, Sky's security and defense editor, Deborah Haynes, sought shelter as missiles soared above her during a live transmission.

Iran's state television has reported that 90% of the missiles successfully struck their intended targets. Meanwhile, a representative from Israel has stated that officials are currently unaware of any injuries resulting from the attack.

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In another part of Tel Aviv, reports from Israeli media indicate that two individuals opened fire in Jaffa, a diverse neighborhood that includes both Arab and Jewish residents, resulting in the deaths of six people.

Israeli police indicated that the shooting is being treated as a potential act of terrorism.

Additional updates from Sky News: Watch as a Sky reporter finds shelter. Why an analyst believes Israel might view this as a win. The Middle East may be on the brink of a ballistic conflict. What course of action will Israel decide to take?

Israel and Iran are trading warnings about potential intensification of their conflict.

Israel has promised that there will be repercussions following the attack, with the prime minister and other officials making notable statements on the matter.

Mr. Netanyahu stated, "Iran made a significant error this evening, and they will face the consequences."

"This assault has a calculated and deadly intent behind it, originating from Tehran," he added. "We will uphold the principle we've set: anyone who strikes at us will face our retaliation."

His remarks followed statements from IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, who described the assault as "widespread" and stated, "There will be consequences. We have strategies in place."

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Iran has stated that it will take action in response to any acts of revenge.

The UN Mission announced on social media that if Israel chooses to retaliate or engage in additional harmful actions, there will be a significant and severe reaction.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards cautioned that any act of retaliation would lead to a response from Tehran that would be "even more devastating and destructive," according to Iranian state television.

In a message on X, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Mr. Netanyahu needs to realize that Iran is not aggressive, but it will resolutely defend itself against any threats.

"This is just a small showcase of what we can do," he added. "Avoid any confrontation with Iran."

A high-ranking Iranian official stated that the country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is currently in a safe place.

It seems that this Iranian assault is significantly more extensive than the one that took place in April.

Middle East reporter Alistair Bunkall called in to share the latest happenings from his location on a roadside in Tel Aviv.

He observed a significant level of action in the sky overhead and noted that it was difficult to tell the difference between missiles coming in and those fired by Israel to intercept them.

He mentioned that it seems to be a significantly bigger assault than the one that took place in April.

It seems that Iran has launched ballistic missiles, which typically take around 10 to 12 minutes to arrive in Israel.

In April, it was drones, which moved at a much slower pace and were easier to catch.

"Bunkall mentioned that numerous individuals were outside enjoying the fresh air while the rockets soared overhead."

Some chose to go ahead and head home, while others looked for a safe spot on the roadside to shelter, like under a bridge or in a pull-off area.

Responses from the US and UK to the Iranian attack

Earlier on Monday, the US, which had alerted about a possible imminent attack from Iran, stated that it provided support to its ally Israel in its defense efforts.

According to the Pentagon, US Navy destroyers launched approximately twelve interceptor missiles to counter Iranian missile threats.

The White House press secretary announced that the president and vice president have held two discussions with their national security team in the situation room and are getting consistent updates.

U.S. officials stated that they have not gotten any reports of injuries from the missile strikes so far, but they emphasized that it's still too soon to dismiss the possibility of casualties.

At the same time, Prime Minister Starmer, who had discussions with Mr. Netanyahu and King Abdullah II of Jordan, has strongly condemned the actions of Iran.

The prime minister later issued a statement from Downing Street, affirming that the UK supports Israel and that Iran's hostility is unacceptable. He also restated his demands for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

A spokesperson from Downing Street stated that the prime minister intends to collaborate with partners and make every effort to encourage de-escalation and seek a diplomatic resolution.

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Iran's response followed Israel's announcement that its paratroopers and special forces were currently involved in clashes with Hezbollah militants, who are supported by Iran. This engagement occurred after Israel carried out "focused, small-scale operations" targeting the armed group in Lebanon.

In April, Iran conducted an attack involving drones and missiles aimed at Israel, but the majority of the missiles failed to hit their intended targets.