Iran has launched a barrage of ballistic missiles towards Israel as it enacts ‘painful revenge’ following attacks on its nuclear sites, Iranian media reports.
The Israeli military said it is operating to intercept the threat and warned its entire population to remain close to ‘protected spaces’ like bomb shelters.
Air sirens are sounding and loud blasts have been heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to local media.
An Israeli military official said: ‘Dozens of Iranian ballistic missiles are en route to Israel.
‘The people of Israel have been instructed to remain in bomb shelters until further notice.’
The Israel Defence Forces had warned its attack on Tehran could last up to two weeks as Iranian military commanders and top officials were blown up in their headquarters and homes in a coordinated strike last night.
Operation Rising Lion targeted military sites in Iran as well as nuclear facilities in a devastating wave of air strikes – escalating fears the Middle East is on the brink of all-out war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the sophisticated operation targeted an Iranian nuclear facility in Natanz as well as the country’s ballistic missile program.
Iran vowed to enact ‘painful revenge’ after the strikes, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning Israel will face ‘severe punishment’.
Washington distanced itself from the strikes and warned Iran not to attack US bases in the region in retaliation, while Tehran warned that the US would pay ‘a heavy price’ along with Israel.
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