Washington, 1 October 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Iran is preparing an imminent missile attack on Israel, a senior White House official said on Tuesday.

The US "has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," the official said.

"A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official further warned. "We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack."

News of the planned attack came hours after Israel launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.