In what has been described as extensive attack, Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at Israel, firing nearly 200 rockets on Tuesday evening.

The attack, in retaliation for Israel's campaign against the Hezbollah group in Lebanon, marks a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict.

Window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not initially clear whether the noise was from missiles landing, being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.

Israelis had earlier been told to seek safety with orders to shelter sent to mobile phones and broadcast on national television.

Witnesses told Reuters they saw dozens of missiles flying over central Jordan and the country's army appealed to its citizens to stay in their homes for their safety.

Jordan's state news agency soon announced a temporary closure of its airspace, which lasted until around 7.55pm UK time.

Take offs and landings at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport were suspended at around 6pm UK time, Israeli army radio said. An hour later, authorities said they were preparing to reopen the airport.

The attack from Iran was expected and orders to shelter were sent to Israelis' mobile phones and broadcast on national television earlier today.

The Israeli military said all civilians were in bomb shelters as the rockets were fired.

Iran's state TV has since claimed 90% of the missiles hit their targets while an Israeli spokesman has said officials there are so far not aware of any injuries from the attack.

Iran's actions have already been condemned by world leaders including Sir Keir Starmer while the US has said it played a role in helping ally Israel defend itself.

A US official said on Tuesday afternoon that an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel was "imminent" and within just a few hours, shortly after 5.30pm UK time, sirens sounded across the country as rockets began to arrive overhead.

Meanwhile, Israel has said the attack will have consequences and Iran has already vowed to respond to any retaliation.

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said: "There will be repercussions to this attack. We have plans.

"For now we are not identifying more attacks. We will operate at the time and place we decide."

Iran's UN Mission said in a social media post that if Israel "should dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue".

Its Revolutionary Guards also warned that any retaliation will spark a "more crushing and ruinous" response from Tehran, Iranian state TV reported.

In a post on X, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "should understand that Iran is not warlike, but it will stand firmly against any threat".

"This is only a glimpse of our capabilities," he continued. "Do not engage in conflict with Iran."

A senior Iranian official said its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was in a secure location.

The US - which warned about Iran's imminent attack earlier on Monday - said it helped its ally Israel to defend itself.

US Navy destroyers fired around a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles, the Pentagon said.

The White House press secretary said the president and vice president had convened two meetings with their national security team in the White House situation room and are receiving regular updates.

US officials also said they had not yet received any reports of injuries as a result of the missile strikes but stressed it was too early to rule out casualties.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer - who spoke to Mr Netanyahu and the King of Jordan, Abdullah II - has condemned Iran's actions "in the strongest possible terms".

The prime minister later gave a statement from Downing Street saying the UK "stands with Israel" and Iran's aggression cannot be tolerated - while reiterating his calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon.

"The prime minister said he will work alongside partners and do everything possible to push for de-escalation and push for a diplomatic solution," a Downing Street spokesperson added.

Iran's attack came after Israel's military said its paratroopers and commandos were engaged in fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants after launching "limited, localised and targeted raids" against the armed group in Lebanon.

Iran previously launched a drone and missile barrage against Israel in April, but most projectiles did not reach their targets.