Iran's deadly kamikaze drones arrive in Jerusalem: Sirens heard across the city as Israel fires missiles to intercept aerial bombardment - with explosions seen lighting up the sky

The night sky above Jerusalem is being lit up by the more than 150 drones and missile sent by Iran in response to a drone strike at the beginning of April in Syria that killed 12 Iranians, including two top generals. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media: 'The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime's crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran's embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.'

Missiles have begun to enter Israeli airspace, with video shared with MailOnline showing them being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem, in Israel's east. 

Blasts were also heard in Jericho in the occupied West Bank, while the Israeli army said it had sounded sirens in the southern Negev region. Iran claims to have dealt 'heavy blows' to an airbase in Negev. 

Iranian media reported that Tehran's barrage of ballistic missiles has concluded. The drones and cruise missiles are still yet to enter Israeli airspace. Iran has vowed to take further 'defensive measures' if Israel chooses to respond to the salvo. 

Yemen-based Houthis have also claimed to have shot 'dozens' of rockets towards an IDF base in the north-east of Israel. it is not currently known if the Houthi attacks are linked to Iran's salvo. 

The UK, among Israel's closest allies, and other nations have reportedly begun to support Israel by sending fighter jets to shoot down the drones and missiles. US officials added that their military also intercepted drones and missiles heading to Israel. 

• Britain has sent jets to support Israel as it is attacked by Iran 
• The US is sending a naval task force with over 2,500 marines
• But many of Iran's Middle East allies, including Qatar and Kuwait,  are rallying around it 

Around a hundred drones and missiles were fired at Israel

One video shared with MailOnline showed the Iron Dome intercepting a missile

Iranians were seen celebrating as news of the attack broke

Iranians celebrate on a street, after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran

Israel's cabinet is currently meeting to discuss how to deal with the attack from Iran

The IDF's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said that the Iranian attack was 'a severe and dangerous escalation' in tensions, adding: 'Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.'

The IDF said: 'The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country's skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.

'We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.'

Israel's allies have begun to send in military assets in to help Israel. 

US Congressional sources say the amphibious war ship Bataan is leading a US naval task force in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Bataan has two support ships and together they have about 2,500 Marines onboard. The US also has several guided missile destroyers including the Carney in the area.

US bases in Iraq have been placed on full alert and will also attempt to shoot down missiles and drones aimed at Israel. In addition, the US has two destroyers and a Cruiser in the Red Sea that are fully armed with anti-missile weapons and they too are under orders to shoot down any Israeli bound missiles or drones.

But Iran has threatened the US if it gets involved in the spat, claiming that it is a conflict between Iran and Israel alone. 

Iran's mission to the UN wrote on X: '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 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!'

Iran's foreign ministry, meanwhile, said in statement to local media: 'Iran, if necessary, will not hesitate to take further defensive measures to safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions and unlawful use of force while reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.'

Objects are seen in the sky above Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel

Missiles have begun to enter Israeli airspace, with images from international media revealing missiles being intercepted by the Iron Dome system above Jerusalem

Iranian media reported that Tehran has also launched its first round of ballistic missiles towards Israel

The salvo of missiles and drones have begun to enter Israel airspace

The night sky above Jerusalem was lit up by missiles

Inside Iran, many were seen joyously celebrating as news of the attack broke. 

Iranians were seen taking to the streets of Tehran with flares and Iranian flags, whooping and cheering as the missiles and drones entered Israeli airspace.  

Surrounding countries appear to have begun preparations for an escalation in hostilities. 

Jordan, Israel's eastern neighbour, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and internal flights. Its government refuted reported that it had ordered its armed forces to shoot down any drones that flew through its airspace. 

Syria is also on high alert, setting up its ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said. 

Sources told Reuters they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.

Lebanon, which lies to Israel's north, is also closing its airspace at 1am local time. 

Qatar and Kuwait have both issued directives against the US prohibiting the use of their airspace for any potential military action against Iran. 

US military aircraft are stationed at the Ali Al Salem Air Base and the Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, as well as the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US airbase in the Middle East. 

But Egypt's foreign ministry urged both sides to exercise restraint, saying in a statement: 'Egypt expresses its deep concern about the indicators of Iranian/Israeli escalation and demands the exercise of the utmost restraint

'The Arab Republic of Egypt expresses its deep concern regarding the announced launch of Iranian offensive marches against Israel, and the indicators of dangerous escalation between the two countries during the recent period, calling for the exercise of the utmost restraint to spare the region.

'And its people are more factors for instability and tension.

'Egypt considers that the dangerous escalation that the Iranian/Israeli arena is currently witnessing is nothing but a direct result of what Egypt has repeatedly warned about, about the dangers of expanding the conflict in the region as a result of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, and the provocative military actions being practiced in the region.

'Egypt stresses that it is in constant contact with all concerned parties to try to contain the situation, stop the escalation, and spare the region the risk of sliding into a dangerous turn of instability and threat to the interests of its people.'

Demonstrators wave Iran's flag and Palestinian flags as they gather at Palestine Square in Tehran on April 14, 2024

Iranians were seen celebrating as the missiles and drones began to hit Israel 

People wave Iranian and Palestinian flags during an anti-Israel rally after Iran launched drone attacks against Israel at Palestine Square in Tehran, Iran

The rest of the world has begun to react to Iran's strikes. 

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement: 'I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime's reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

'The UK will continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

'Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.'

The UK's Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron took to X to say: 'Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one's interest.'

President Joe Biden, third from right, meets with members of the National Security team regarding the unfolding missile attacks on Israel from Iran

A battery of Israel's Iron Dome defense missile system, deployed to intercept rockets, sits in Ashkelon

Grant Shapps, the UK's defence minister added: 'I strongly condemn the senseless airborne attack that Iran has launched on Israel. It serves no benefit other than to further undermine regional security. 

'We continue to work with Israel and partners in the region to prevent further escalation. Peace and stability are in everyone's interest, and I urge Iran to immediately end all forms of destabilising behaviour. 

'In response to escalation in the region and in partnership with our allies, the Prime Minister and I have authorised the deployment of additional Royal Air Force assets. The RAF jets and air refuelling tankers will bolster our existing Operation Shader - the UK's existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.'

A spokesperson for the US' National Security Council, meanwhile, said: 'President Biden has been clear: Our support for Israel's security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defence against these threats from Iran.'

US president Joe Biden said: 'I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.'

Former president Donald Trump took to his own social media platform, Truth Social, to say: 'ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen – This would NEVER have happened if I were President!

'AMERICA SUPPORTS ISRAEL!'

Inside Iran, many were seen joyously celebrating as news of the attack broke

Iranians were seen taking to the streets of Tehran with flares and Iranian flags, whooping and cheering as the missiles and drones entered Israeli airspace

Many lit up flares and sparklers in celebration of the attack 

France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné said via X: 'France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel. By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.

'France reaffirms its attachment to Israel's security and assures it of its solidarity.'

Germany's foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, said on X: 'Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel offers our full solidarity at this time.'

It was reported today that Iran has more than 100 cruise missiles ready to be launched as part of an 'imminent' strike against Israel in retaliation for an airstrike against Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria.

Announcing increased security measures in Israel during a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness. 

Starting from 11pm tonight, the strict measures, which include the ban of all 'educational activities' across the country, the restriction of working in offices without 'standard protected spaces' and limits on the number of people at gatherings', will be implemented. 

Educational activities have been banned across the country, while restrictions on working have been put in place on areas directly next to the Gaza Strip, and other areas in the Gaza Envelope. 

Israelis living on the areas next to the Gaza Strip have been banned from meeting outside in groups of more than 30, and are allowed to meet up to 300 people inside buildings. Beaches in the Gaza Envelope have also been closed to the public. 

Hagari said in the televised address that the directive will be reassessed at 6am local time, and urged Israelis to remain vigilant and to head to bomb shelters if they hear warnings.

The long-range air defence system called Arman is displayed during an unveiling ceremony in Tehran, Iran

A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024

'We are taking all steps possible to ensure your safety. 

'Since the start of the war, we have faced a variety of threats sent here by Iran's proxies and adapted our defense and attack systems accordingly,' Hagari said, adding that the IDF was 'fully prepared' for Iranian attacks. 

'The air force's defense and attack formations are on alert and dozens of planes are in the sky. We are conducting a situational assessment with our strategic partners, led by the USA, and we are maintaining close coordination with them,' he added.

Hagari's televised message came as Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant held a meeting with top-level defence officials, including the IDF's chief Herzi Halevi. 

Gallant said the IDF was 'closely monitoring a planned attack by Iran and its proxies against the State of Israel.'

'We have added new capabilities - on land, in the air, at sea, in our intelligence directorate, within the State of Israel, and together with our partners, led by the United States.

'Iran is a terrorist state - the world is seeing this now more than ever.'

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in central Israel, November 5, 2023

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon towards Israel over the Israeli Lebanese border, as seen from northern Israel, April 12, 2024

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a prepared televised statement: 'Our defense systems are deployed, and we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and offense. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.'

'We appreciate the US for standing by Israel's side as well as the support of the UK, France and many other countries.'

'I established a clear principle — whoever hurts us, we will hurt them. We will defend ourselves from any threat and we will do so calmly and with determination.'

'I know that you, the citizens of Israel, are also keeping calm. I urge you to listen to the directives of the Home Front Command.'

'Together we stand, and with God's help, together we will overcome all of our enemies.'

The increased security measures were announced hours after Iranian commandos took control of an Israel-linked container ship as it travelled in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints. 

Tensions between Iran and Israel have been massively escalating after the IDF killed 12 people, including two top military figures, in an airstrike against Iran's embassy in Syria's capital, Damascus, on April 1. 

More to follow.