The UK has admitted its armed forces "played their part" in protecting Israel following a massive attack which saw Iran launch nearly 200 ballistic missiles at the country, it's been revealed.

Israel could be preparing to strike Tehran's nuclear and oil facilities and in recent days had warned that any missile strike would result in a counter-strike on Iran's key infrastructure - including nuclear and oil infrastructure.

The news came after the IDF vowed to launch "powerful airstrikes throughout the Middle East" in response to the attack which Israel claims was mostly thwarted. The IDF, however, admitted that some ballistic missiles struck central and southern Israel.

It said that a "defensive coalition" led by the United States took part in shooting down the missiles. It's believed Jordan was also involved in air defence.

The attack by Iran sent thousands if not millions of Israelis running for cover in bomb shelters and is the latest escalation in the spiralling Middle East conflict.

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