While warning that "a direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," a senior White House official asserted that the US is "actively supporting preparations to defend Israel against this attack.

Iran is preparing to 'imminently' launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior U.S. administration official, who warned Tuesday of 'severe consequences' should it take place.

The potential attack would mark the latest escalation between the two countries and comes after Israel began a ground incursion in Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Iranians on Monday that there was nowhere in the Middle East beyond Israel's reach, three days after Israel's military killed the leader of Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested that a possible ground invasion across the border could also happen as he vowed to 'use all the capabilities we have'

U.S. President Joe Biden said he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and believes that an all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided.