Israel Iran War News Updates: Iran says not looking for war with Israel; US opposes Israel strikes on Iran nuclear sites

President Masoud Pezeshkian insisted Wednesday that Iran was "not looking for war" but pledged a stronger response if Israel retaliates for its missile attack.

"If it (Israel) wants to react, we will have a stronger response, this is what the Islamic Republic is committed to," Pezeshkian said in a joint press conference with Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha.

The White House says US President Joe Biden coordinated the multilateral rollout of new sanctions against Iran following its missile attack on Israel with G7 leaders earlier today.

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, some flights from Europe to India have been impacted, while Air India is monitoring the situation closely, according to officials.

German carrier Lufthansa on Wednesday cancelled its flights from Hyderabad to Frankfurt (LH753/01) and from Mumbai to Frankfurt (LH757/01) due to current situation in West Asia.

More details here.

US president says that the US will also be rolling out new sanctions against Iran over the attack.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said yesterday that the Iran will face “severe consequences” and that the US will work with Israel to ensure as much, without elaborating.

Iran president says 'not looking for war' with Israel

Iran president pledges stronger response if Israel retaliates

Iran president says Israel provoking reactions from Tehran

Hamas takes responsibility for the deadly terror attack in Jaffa last night, which left seven people dead and another 16 wounded.

Former Israeli Ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon said, "Israel is facing seven fronts - three major ones. Houthis, Iraq, West Bank, Syria, Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran... It's an impossible situation but we are prevailing because we have capabilities, we have a very good Army, defence system, air defence system and partners who helped us yesterday, like the US. I want to showcase and suggest looking at the situation as if there is an opportunity to form an 'Axis of Peace' constructed with moderate countries many of them from the region to confront the 'Axis of Evils'. I got a list of countries that are backing Iran - Turkey, Russia, China, Lebanon, Yemen. These are the 'Axis of Evils' led by Iran and which also includes Hamas and Hezbollah..."

"I would like to send my condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in response to the deaths of eight troops in action in Lebanon. God bless their blood. May their memory be blessed. We are in the middle of a tough war against Iran's axis of evil, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen - because we will stand together, and with God's help - we will win together. We will return our abductees in the south, we will return our residents in the north, we will guarantee the eternity of Israel", he added

Syria’s state-run SANA news agency says three people were killed and three others were wounded in the alleged Israeli strike on Damascus this afternoon.

Israel army chief says Iran fired about 200 missiles in updated figure, reports AFP.

EU air agency advises airlines to avoid Iranian airspace

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it destroyed three Israeli tanks on Wednesday as they advanced towards a Lebanese border village, reported AFP.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted, "I would like to send my condolences from the bottom of my heart to the families of our heroes who fell today in Lebanon. God bless their blood. May their memory be blessed. We are in the middle of a tough war against Iran's axis of evil, which seeks to destroy us. This will not happen - because we will stand together, and with God's help - we will win together. We will return our abductees in the south, we will return our residents in the north, we will guarantee the eternity of Israel."

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield urges members of the Security Council during an emergency meeting on the latest Mideast escalation to condemn and sanction Iran.

Israel strike on Syria capital kills two

G7 says 'diplomatic solution still possible' in Middle East

The Israeli military said its combat losses in southern Lebanon increased to eight on Wednesday as it clashed with Hezbollah fighters after crossing the border to target the group's positions.

"The IDF (Israeli army) announced that seven more soldiers have fallen," it said in a statement after announcing the death of a first soldier in Lebanon earlier in the day.

Stock markets wavered while oil prices extended a rally Wednesday as Iran's missile attack on Israel fanned fears of a Middle East-wide conflict.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, topped $75 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate, the US contract, was above $72, with both more than three percent higher, reported AFP.

Equity markets were mixed in Europe and New York, with the Dow flat and the tech-heavy Nasdaq and broad-based S&P 500 in the red in early trading.

'Sickening cycle of escalation' in Mideast must stop, says UN chief

Wall Street stocks mostly dropped early Wednesday following solid US employment data as markets monitored ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.

Israel Iran War News Live: Several Iran missiles struck inside Israel air bases, no damage, says army

The UN Security Council has called for an emergency meeting on the escalating situation in the Middle East for Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time, following requests from France and Israel.

In a letter to the council, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated that the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel reveals that Iran’s charm offensive, led by its new president, is merely an illusion, and that real decision-making rests with the supreme leader and the Revolutionary Guards.

Danon accused Iran of attempting to destroy Israel “with a ring of fire from seven fronts” and urged the Security Council to condemn Iran and designate its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, held a meeting with security chiefs including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and the head of the armed forces, Herzi Halevi.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday slammed Tehran's missile barrage fired at Israel the previous evening, while Berlin summoned the Iranian ambassador over the attack.

"The Iranian missile attacks on Israel must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," Scholz said, warning of "a further escalation of the already tense situation in the Middle East".

"Iran risks setting the entire region ablaze," he said in comments on social media platform X.

Dozens took to the streets of Berlin in joy shortly after Tehran late Tuesday launched a direct attack on Israel, firing what it said were 200 missiles and sending civilians rushing into shelters.

Germany's interior minister on Wednesday expressed anger over anti-Israel street rallies that celebrated Iran's large-scale missile attack on its sworn enemy the previous night.

Israel launched ground operations and carried out airstrikes in a hard-hit city in southern Gaza overnight, killing at least 51 people, including women and children, Palestinian medical officials said Wednesday.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli unit with an explosive device near a southern border village Wednesday, as the group clashed with Israeli forces entering Lebanon.

Germany on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Iran as regional tensions surge a day after Tehran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel.

"The situation in the entire region remains volatile and very tense," the foreign ministry stressed in updated travel advice, while also warning German nationals against any travel to Iran. (AFP)

Iran’s armed forces joint chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, says the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is prepared to repeat its missile attack with “multiplied intensity” if Israel retaliates on its territory, as per reports.

Germany has summoned the Iranian ambassador to condemn Tehran’s missile attack on Israel, a government spokesman said.

Israel has a total of 170,000 active personnel, supported by 465,000 reserves and 35,000 paramilitary forces. Iran, meanwhile, has a much larger military presence, with 610,000 active personnel, 350,000 reservists, and 220,000 paramilitary forces.

In the land forces category, Israel maintains 1,370 tanks and 43,407 armored vehicles, in addition to 650 self-propelled artillery units and 150 rocket artillery systems. Iran, however, surpasses Israel in tank numbers, operating 1,996 tanks and a larger fleet of 65,765 armored vehicles. Israel, meanwhile, has an edge in self-propelled artillery, with 580 units over Iran's 775 rocket artillery systems.

Read full comparison here.

The Israeli military has announced its first combat death since launching ground operations in Lebanon this week.

The military said Wednesday that a 22-year-old in a commando brigade was killed in combat in Lebanon, reported AP.

Israeli ground troops have carried out incursions into Lebanon against Hezbollah, and Tehran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles on Israel late Tuesday.

• China
• More than 200 Chinese citizens have been safely evacuated, according to Xinhua news agency.
• Canada
• Planning to work with Australia to evacuate up to 1,000 nationals daily by sea using a contracted commercial vessel (Toronto Star).
• Cyprus
• Likely to serve as an evacuation hub.
• Requested an aircraft from Greece to help evacuate its 1,500 nationals in Lebanon.
• France
• Focused on using Cyprus and Beirut airport for evacuation, with talks underway for routes via Turkey.
• Has a warship in the region and a helicopter carrier en route to the eastern Mediterranean.
• Germany
• Evacuated non-essential staff, families of embassy workers, and medically vulnerable nationals.
• Committed to supporting others wishing to leave.
• Greece
• Urged citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid travel there.
• A Greek frigate is on standby for assistance if needed.

Foreign ministry advised citizens to leave as soon as possible (Belga news agency).

• Considering evacuation by sea.Urged around 15,000 citizens in Lebanon to leave while Beirut airport is still open.

The Lebanese Army says that Israeli forces breached the 'Blue Line' and entered around 400 meters into southern region of the country. The UN-patrolled 'Blue Line' separates Israel and the occupied Golan Heights from Lebanon. Lebanon says that Israeli forces withdrew soon after.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will host a call of Group of Seven (G7) leaders later on Wednesday to discuss the crisis in the Middle East, her office said. "Italy will continue to strive for a diplomatic solution, including in its capacity as chair of the G7. I have convened a leaders' level meeting for this afternoon," Meloni was quoted as telling her cabinet. Italy holds the rotating presidency of the G7 -- the club of major Western democracies, which comprises the United States, Canada, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. (Reuters)

The Jordanian government has vowed not to let the country become a battleground. “Protecting Jordan and Jordanians is our top priority,” said government spokesperson Mohammad Momani in a statement to local media. Jordan has closed its airspace, and the kingdom’s Public Security Directorate reported that the Royal Jordanian Air Force and air defense systems responded to several missiles and drones that entered its airspace, according to AFP.

The escalating tension in the Middle East, following Iran’s missile attack on Israel, can disrupt oil supply. No wonder, oil prices spiked after the news of Iran’s military operation broke out. There is fear that the regional conflict may snowball into a wider war which can alter the trajectory of interest rates globally. (Read More)

Israel's foreign minister said on October 2 that he was barring UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres from entering the country for his failure to "unequivocally condemn" Iran's massive missile attack on Israel. (Read More)

Israel Iran War News Live: 'If villainy of US & certain European countries is removed...' - Iran Supreme Leader Khamenei's first message after Tuesday strikes

More than 200 Chinese citizens have been safely evacuated from Lebanon by the government, China's official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Iran’s recent ballistic missile strike on Israel have fueled fears of a broader regional conflict, sending crude oil prices up by as much as 4 percent overnight due to concerns over supply disruptions. As oil prices continue to rise, experts warned that India, heavily reliant on energy imports, could face significant economic challenges. (Read More)

An Al Jazeera report states that Hezbollah claims to have targeted areas north of the Israeli port city with a large missile barrage. Meanwhile, a CNN report indicates that Houthi fighters have announced they attacked Israel using three cruise missiles.

Iran possesses thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles with varying ranges. According to a 2021 report by the Missile Threat Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), US Air Force General Kenneth McKenzie had stated in 2023 that Iran has "over 3,000" ballistic missiles. The recent attacks featured the Fattah-1, which Iranian media describes as a hypersonic missile capable of traveling at Mach 5 (approximately 3,800 mph or 6,100 km/h). (Read More)

• Sirens warning of incoming rocket fire have sounded throughout northern Israel this morning.
• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued alerts to communities near the Israel-Lebanon border, including areas around Haifa and Western Galilee.
• According to Israeli media reports citing the IDF, up to 100 rockets have been fired at northern Israel so far today.

Indian stock markets are likely to see further downside in the near term as a combination of rising global geopolitical tensions and technical weakness in domestic markets spooks investors. The Nifty has already dropped 480 points in the last five trading sessions, retreating from its all-time high of 26,277 to end at 25,797 on October 1. (Read More)

Spain plans to send two military aircraft to evacuate as many as 350 citizens from Lebanon as early as Thursday, Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Wednesday. "The Spanish airplanes are ready, the staff are ready, as always with the professionalism of the Spanish army," she said in an interview with Antena 3 TV station. A group of 350 Spanish citizens present in Lebanon have asked to go to Spain, Robles said in the interview. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had said earlier this week around 1,000 Spaniards were in Lebanon. (Reuters)

New reports coming from central Isarel say that over 100 homes were damaged due to the shockwaves from the supersonic missile attacks launched by Iran on Tuesday. A CNN report quoting an official confirmed the development.

"We are deeply concerned at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy," India issues statement on West Asia tensions. (Read More)

• Iran has decided to extend the closure of its airspace until Thursday morning, as reported by the semi-official outlet Mehr News on Wednesday.
• To ensure flight safety and maintain regional conditions, all flights across the country will be canceled until 5 am tomorrow, according to a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Organization, as cited by Mehr.
• The Civil Aviation Organization had initially announced late Tuesday that all flights would be suspended until Wednesday morning.

The Indian economy is unlikely to significantly feel the effects of a widening Middle East conflict in the short term, owing to its strong macroeconomic fundamentals but will be impacted if the war is prolonged, say experts. Iran, on October 1, launched ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation to Israel’s war in Gaza, targeting Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. (Read More)

IDF has announced an evacuation order for the civilians living in villages of southern Lebanon. "The IDF does not intend to harm you, so for your own safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and head north of the Awali River. Save your lives. Anyone who is near Hezbollah elements, installations, and combat equipment is putting his life at risk. Any house used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted. Evacuate your homes immediately," the IDF spokesperson was quoted as saying in the order.

India has issued a travel advisory for its citizens amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict. "Please exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel to Iran." The advisory also asked the Indians there to 'remain vigilant'.

The Middle East edged closer to a long-feared regional war on Tuesday after Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliation to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other key leaders. Iran's bold response could well be the tipping point in the strife-hit region where the spectre of war has been looming since Hamas's invasion of Israel on October 7 in 2023. (Read More)

• The UN Security Council has called for an emergency meeting on the escalating situation in the Middle East for Wednesday at 10 a.m. local time, following requests from France and Israel.
• In a letter to the council, Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon stated that the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel reveals that Iran's charm offensive, led by its new president, is merely an illusion, and that real decision-making rests with the supreme leader and the Revolutionary Guards.
• Danon accused Iran of attempting to destroy Israel “with a ring of fire from seven fronts” and urged the Security Council to condemn Iran and designate its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

According to Axios, Israeli officials have indicated that they will soon initiate a “significant retaliation” against Iran in response to Tuesday’s large-scale ballistic missile attack. Potential targets for this retaliation may include Iran’s oil industry, air defense systems, and other strategic sites, along with possible assassination strikes against key Iranian figures. Officials further stated that if Iran chooses to respond to Israel's retaliatory actions, all options will be considered, including the destruction of Iranian nuclear sites.

• Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced it is re-routing several of its flights due to airspace restrictions in certain parts of the Middle East. The airline stated that it is actively monitoring security and airspace developments as the situation evolves.
• Other airlines that have temporarily suspended flights to Beirut include Emirates Airlines, Iran Air, Air Algerie, Air France, and Turkish Airlines.

As Israel-Iran conflict intensifies with Iran firing a salvo of ballistic missiles on Israel, experts say this puts a cloud over India’s Central Asia aspirations. For India, the escalation hurts its ambitions of expanding trade with Central Asia. As of 2021, India’s trade with Central Asia was about $2 billion or less than 0.5 percent of its total trade. In the last few years India has comprehensively engaged with Central Asian economies with a strategic tilt in its foreign policy towards Central Asia. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to have visited all five Central Asian States during a single trip. (Read More)

Danish police said on Wednesday they were investigating two blasts in the vicinity of Israel's embassy in the northern outskirts of Copenhagen. "No one has been injured, and we are carrying out initial investigations at the scene," Copenhagen police said on social media X. "A possible connection to the Israeli embassy, ​​located in the area, is being investigated," they said. The Israeli embassy was not immediately available for comment when contacted by Reuters. (Reuters)

Iran has escalated hostilities with Israel by launching around 200 missiles into Israeli territory. This is the second major attack from Iran this year, following a similar operation in April that involved hundreds of missiles and drones. According to Israel army officials, while the immediate threat has passed, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. "Iran's attack is continuing. You are requested to remain in a protected space until further notice. The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles," the Israeli defence forces (IDF) said in a statement. (Read More)

• Iranian state television reported that Iran fired ballistic missiles targeting two Israeli military bases and the headquarters of Mossad, citing Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military official.Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, announced that the attack, named Operation True Promise II, targeted:
• Nevatim Air BaseNetzarim Military FacilityTel Nof Intelligence UnitThe Nevatim Air Base reportedly houses Israel’s F-35 fighter jets, which, according to the Tehran Times, were used in the September 27 airstrikes on Beirut.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) used hypersonic Fatah missiles to strike these sites.Bagheri stated that Iran deliberately avoided civilian targets and infrastructure during the strike.The attack was claimed to be a response to:
• The July 31 killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyah.
• The death of IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan.
• The September 27 killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the military actions were executed in line with Iran’s legitimate rights and aimed at ensuring peace and security for the region.
• Pezeshkian emphasized that the strikes were “in defense of the interests and citizens of Iran” in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, as reported by Irna.
• Irna also reported celebrations across multiple cities in Iran, where people carried Iranian, Lebanese, and Palestinian flags in support of the IRGC’s attack on Israeli military targets.
• Israeli authorities reported a large-scale missile attack with around 180 missiles launched, though most were intercepted.

• Following US support for Israel in the Middle Eastern conflict, the Pentagon has ordered its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to remain in the region, with a second vessel on the way. This move comes amid escalating tensions after Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel.
• According to the New York Post, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that the USS Abraham Lincoln will remain stationed in the Middle East, while the USS Harry S. Truman is being rapidly deployed to the area.

FlyDubai, the UAE-based airline, announced it is canceling flights to Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and Israel on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Reuters. The decision comes amid rising regional tensions and temporary airspace closures.

As many as four people were killed and a soldier was grievously injured in a mass shooting near Tel Aviv. Police say that the shooters have been 'neutralised.' The incident is not being seen as linked with the Tuesday missile strike.

At least one person was killed and several others were injured when Iran launched missile attacks and Israel responded with interceptors on Tuesday, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A Palestinian was killed in Jericho due to the strikes, IDF international spokesperson Nadav Shoshani told CNN.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it targeted three Israeli military bases around Tel Aviv. According to a CNN report, a large number of missiles struck areas in or near the Mossad intelligence headquarters, Nevatim Air Base, and Tel Nof Air Base.

President Joe Biden commended the US for its role in countering Iran’s missile strikes, describing the attack as “defeated and ineffective.” He affirmed the United States’ “full support” for Israel but noted that his administration was still in discussions with Israel regarding an appropriate response.

A major concern for US and Arab diplomats is the possibility of an Israeli strike within Iran, possibly targeting its nuclear facilities. High-ranking officials from France, Britain, Germany, and the European Union have condemned Iran’s attacks on Israel, cautioning that such actions could have severe repercussions for the broader region.

We welcome all those readers who are joining us just now. We are covering the ongoing Middle East crisis. Last night, Iran launched an unprecedented missile attack against Isarel. While there were no damages from the attack, which saw over 180 missiles being targeted in the heart of Isarel, the situation remains grim.

On Wednesday, Iran's chief of staff pledged to target infrastructure throughout Israel if the country is attacked, following Tehran's launch of approximately 200 missiles at its long-time adversary. Major General Mohammad Bagheri stated on state television that "this barrage will be repeated with greater intensity, and all of the regime's infrastructure will be targeted."

Israeli authorities are examining fragments of shrapnel to determine the type of missile used in an Iranian attack on Tuesday.

CNN’s Jeremy Diamond reported from the scene of the strike in the central Israeli town of Gedera, where the blast shattered a wall and the windows of a second-grade classroom, causing extensive damage inside. Heavy machinery and workers were observed clearing debris from a large crater, approximately 8 feet deep.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although the school had been occupied by children just hours prior to the attack.

Images and videos from CNN captured remnants of an Iranian ballistic missile, including its guidance section and warhead, at the crater site. According to Trevor Ball, a former senior explosive ordnance technician for the U.S. Army, the lack of reference images makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact missile model.

Israel Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant tweets, "I spent this evening in the command and control center together with senior defense officials, closely watching the IDF’s successful defense against the Iranian missile attack on Israel. Iran has not learned a simple lesson - those who attack the State of Israel, pay a heavy price."

Israel employs a multi-layered missile defense system designed to counter a variety of threats, ranging from high-altitude ballistic missiles to low-flying cruise missiles and rockets. The Iron Dome system, often in the spotlight since the escalation of conflict following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, forms the base layer of this defense. It targets and intercepts rockets that pose a danger to populated areas. With at least 10 batteries deployed, each Iron Dome unit uses radar and command systems to assess threats and neutralize them with interceptor missiles.

Above the Iron Dome is David's Sling, which defends against short- and medium-range missiles, with capabilities extending up to 186 miles. Jointly developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense System and U.S.-based Raytheon, it uses sophisticated interceptors to eliminate airborne threats.

For long-range ballistic missiles, Israel employs the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, both co-developed with the United States. The Arrow 2 intercepts missiles in their final descent using fragmentation warheads, while Arrow 3 intercepts ballistic missiles in space before they reenter the atmosphere, using hit-to-kill technology for destruction. Together, these systems form an integrated shield against a wide range of missile threats.

Yemen's two major ports remain functional after Israeli airstrikes, though the attacks caused damage to power stations, according to the United Nations.

On Tuesday, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Yemen inspected the situation at the country's main port of Hodeida and the nearby Ras Isa port. The strikes, which took place on Sunday, targeted locations used by Houthi rebels in western Yemen.

Israel stated the strikes were in retaliation for a Houthi missile fired at central Israel on Saturday, which was intercepted. The Houthis claimed their target was Ben Gurion Airport, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plane had landed following his speech at the U.N. General Assembly.

Dujarric reported that after an initial assessment, both ports are still operational and capable of receiving commercial and humanitarian supplies. However, power stations in Hodeida are operating at a significantly reduced capacity.

Explosions lit up the Beirut skyline as Israel announced strikes on 'Hezbollah targets.'

Fragments of Iranian missiles landed in Jordan, a nation situated between Iran and Israel, according to government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani, who spoke to state-owned Al-Mamlaka TV. He reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries. While al-Momani did not confirm whether Jordan, a U.S. ally with a peace treaty with Israel, assisted in intercepting the missiles launched from Iran, he hinted that this might have been the case.

United Kingdom PM Keir Starmer says, "In the last few hours, the Iranian regime has launched over 200 ballistic missiles at civilian targets in Israel. It's too soon to assess the impact fully, but I condemn this attempt by the Iranian regime to harm innocent Israelis, to escalate this incredibly dangerous situation and push the region ever closer to the brink. It cannot be tolerated. We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence... 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. I've spoken today to PM Netanyahu, the king of Jordan, President Macron and Chancellor Scholz. In the last week, I've also spoken to other leaders, including Prime Minister McCarthy of Lebanon, President Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority, to try to find the space for a political solution to the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza... The situation in Lebanon is increasingly grave. I want advice for British nationals who are still there. You must leave now. You should register your presence with government officials on our website. We have a chartered flight and we're doing everything we can to get people out. But the situation is extremely volatile. So if you have the means to leave, the time is now. Do not wait..."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to social media on Wednesday, condemning Iran’s missile attack on Israel. In his tweet, he described the assault as "an extremely dangerous escalation" and reiterated Australia's and the global community's firm stance for de-escalation in the conflict.

“This is an extremely dangerous escalation,” Albanese said, adding that “further hostilities put civilians at risk.” He also emphasized that Australia is closely monitoring the situation and encouraged Australians in Israel to follow local authorities' advice for their safety.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday strongly condemned Iran's missile attacks on Israel, calling the actions "unacceptable" and denouncing them "in the strongest possible terms," according to a statement from the Elysee Palace. Macron also revealed that France had mobilised its military resources in the Middle East in response to Tehran’s aggression.

The French president called on the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah to immediately stop its "terrorist actions" against Israel and its civilians. At the same time, Macron urged Israel to halt its military operations as soon as possible.

Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba condemned Iran's missile attacks on Israel as "unacceptable" on Wednesday, warning of the risks of escalation into a "full-on war." Speaking to reporters following a phone conversation with Biden, Ishiba expressed Japan's strong opposition to the attacks while calling for cooperation with the US to de-escalate tensions.

"Iran's attack is unacceptable. We condemn this strongly. But at the same time, we would like to cooperate with the United States to defuse the situation and prevent it from escalating into a full-on war," Ishiba said.

President Joe Biden reiterated his strong support for Israel today, telling reporters that the US remains "fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel" in light of the recent Iranian attacks. Biden revealed that he spent much of the day in the White House's situation room, closely monitoring the situation alongside his team, who have been in "constant contact" with Israeli officials.

Highlighting the administration's preparedness, Biden stressed the importance of their defense strategies. "At my direction, the United States military actively supported the defense of Israel," the president said. While still assessing the full impact, Biden noted that initial reports suggest the attack was "defeated and ineffective."

US Vice President Kamala Harris today condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, describing the Islamic Republic as a "destabilizing" force in the Middle East. Speaking firmly, Harris emphasized the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel, vowing that America would not hesitate to defend its ally and hold Tehran accountable for its actions.

"Iran is not only a threat to Israel," Harris stated. "Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region, American interests, and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and -backed terrorist proxies."

The Israeli Prime Minister has said that Iran "made a big mistake" in attacking Israel with missiles, adding that the country will now "pay for it." Netanyahu further said that the regime in Iran does not understand Israel's determination to defend itself and retaliate against its enemies.

Israel army chief says prevented 'the enemy from achieving success'

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock demanded Iran end its missile attack on Israel, writing on X: "I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms."

"Iran must stop the attack immediately" as it was "leading the region further towards the abyss", she added.

EU has urged 'immediate ceasefire' after Iran strikes Israel, says top official, AFP reported.

Iran launched about twice as many ballistic missiles Tuesday as it did in its previous direct attack on Israel earlier this year, the Pentagon said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday condemned Iran's attack on Israel and called for an end to the "spiral of violence" blighting the Middle East, while the foreign minister demanded "restraint", AFP reported.

Iran president hailed 'decisive response' to Israeli 'aggression' in missile barrage

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday condemned Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel "in the strongest terms", his office said.

Iran's missile attack on Israel was "totally unacceptable" and should be condemned by the entire world, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday.

"Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack," Blinken told reporters, AFP reported.

S&P 500 Aerospace & Defense index up 1.3% after it touched fresh record high

Lockheed Martin last up 2.5% and RTX Corp, formerly Raytheon, up 2.7%. Both stocks hit new record highs earlier in the session

Northrop Grumman up 3%, General Dynamics up 1% and L3Harris up 3%

Similarly, iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF up 1.4% after it reached all-time peak on Tuesday, reported Reuters.

White House official Jake Sullivan said, "Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective."

He added, "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."

Iran Guards say missile attack targeted 'three military bases' around Tel Aviv, reports AFP.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) late on Tuesday announced that it has stopped all its flights from using Iranian airspace following Iran's missile attack on Israel.

The PIA issued a direction to all captains and flight operations of the airline in this regard.

"The plans of all flights are being restructured to avoid using Iranian airspace," PIA spokesperson Athar Awan said in a statement.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to carry out "crushing attacks" against arch-foe Israel if it retaliates for a missile attack by the Islamic republic on Tuesday.

It said it came "after a period of restraint" following an "attack on the sovereignty" of Iran -- a reference to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan's King Abdullah, Sky News reported.

In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities: Indian Embassy in Israel