The US President Joe Biden has said he would not support an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, as he tries to contain further escalation in the middle east conflict.

It came as Israel warned that its retaliation against Iran for firing more than 180 ballistic missiles would be severe. Israel’s Prime Minister met military advisers and held talks with Washington to discuss his country’s response.

Iran has warned that it will launch a new "crushing attack" if Israel does retaliate.