The US vowed that there will be “severe consequences” for Iran after it in a “significant escalation” of the conflict in the Middle East. Around 200 missiles rained down on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to a senior Israeli official, who said: “Iran has declared war directly on the State of Israel.” Footage showed missiles and explosions lighting up the night sky, arriving thicker and faster than in in April.
Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said: “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.” It left the Middle East on Tuesday facing the prospect of a direct war between Israel and Iran, something both countries have been at pains to avoid despite simmering tensions for years. Calls for Israel to target Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons programme were also growing among hardliners, while Western leaders urged all sides to pull back from the brink .
Late on Tuesday night, some hours after the Iranian attack, Benjamin Netanyhu, the Israeli prime minister, said Tehran would “pay”. “They will understand,” he said. “We will stand by the rule we established: whoever attacks us – we will attack him.
” The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned after that it would launch a “crushing” response if Israel retaliated. Iran’s armed forces also suggested it would attack any country that supported Israel striking back. “I.
