Washington

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United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel. 

"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.

Hezbollah fires missiles towards Northern Israel

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Biden's remarks came as Iran-backed Hezbollah fired dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, while others impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon.

There were no injuries in the attack. 

For the past few days, Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Syria's Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers.

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Countries warn citizens against travel to Israel, Iran

Several countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel and Iran.

Also read | Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine & Iran

"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.

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The French foreign ministry advised citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories in the coming days.

Germany, meanwhile, asked its citizens to leave Iran, adding, "German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk."

(With inputs from agencies)