Iran launches drones toward Israel in retaliatory attack: Live updates

Here is a map of the region as Iran fires dozens of drones and other missiles towards Israel, in what the IDF has called a “large-scale attack” which represents a “severe and dangerous escalation”.

Jordan and Iraq have both reportedly closed their airspace in the wake of Iran’s assault on Israel.

It currently is unclear where the attack, dubbed Operation True Promise by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was launched from.

Explosions have been heard in the skies over Jerusalem.

Air raid sirens have been activated there, according to the IDF.

The US House of Representatives will make a change in its schedule to consider legislation that supports Israel and holds Iran accountable, House majority leader Steve Scalise has said.

“The House of Representatives stands strongly with Israel, and there must be consequences for this unprovoked attack,” he said in a statement, adding that more details would follow.

Israel’s military sounded sirens in multiple locations in the south of the country, as well as in parts of the occupied West Bank, Reuters reported, citing an alert app which it said warned of incoming aerial threats.

Last year, Iran unveiled a new drone – called Mohajer-10s – which resembled America’s armed MQ-9 Reaper, and claimed the aircraft had the range to reach Israel. It is unclear whether the drones are yet operational.

Following earlier reporting by an Israeli broadcaster that British and US warplanes had shot down several Iranian drones heading for Israel, Reuters cites three US officials as also saying that the US military has shot down Iranian drone aircraft headed toward Israel.

They did not disclose how many drones were shot down or the precise locations, Reuters reports.

Describing tonight’s attack as a response to Israel’s alleged “aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus”, Iran’s permanent mission to the UN said: “The matter can be deemed concluded.”

“Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus,” the Iranian body said.

“The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

Israel’s military has put the northern part of the occupied Golan Heights – as well as Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat – on standby for possible impact from Iranian drone launches, instructing residents to stay close to bomb shelters.

The Golan was captured from Syria in a 1967 war, while Nevatim is the site of an Israeli air base. Israel has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts of Dimona, and Eilat is Israel’s southern Red Sea port, which has come under repeated attack by Yemen’s Houthis.

A Jordanian government spokesperson has denied the kingdom announced a state of emergency.

They said media reports it did were baseless and “there was no cause for concern among its citizens.”

Minister of Government Communications Muhannad Mubaideen told state news agency Petra that the government would take legal measures against any outlet that spread rumours or accusations that are not verified.

The Labour Party supports “all measures designed to restore calm”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

“We condemn the Iranian regime’s decision to subject Israelis to these unacceptable attacks,” the Labour leader said.

“The international community has been united in urging restraint and we regret that yet again Iran has chosen a different, dangerous path. Our thoughts are with all those in the region who want peace and security not the fear and instability being generated by Iran.

“We continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of our other partners in the region, including Jordan and Iraq. We support all measures designed to restore calm as we must do all we can to prevent a wider regional war.