US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says concussion of Iranian missile causes minor damage to consulate, no injuries

The US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Monday said an embassy building in Tel Aviv sustained minor damage from a nearby Iranian missile strike, reporting no injuries to US personnel.

Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles on Israeli cities early Monday, after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran, with both sides threatening further devastation.

According to news agency AFP, gutted buildings were seen in the coastal hub of Tel Aviv, after Israel's army warned people to take cover from incoming Iranian missiles.

"Some minor damage from concussions of Iranian missile hits near Embassy Branch in @TelAviv but no injuries to US personnel," Huckabee said on X.

He said the US embassy in Jerusalem would remain closed on Monday as orders to "shelter in place (are) still in effect".

On Friday, Israel's embassy to Sweden said on Friday that Israel would close its diplomatic missions around the world in light of recent developments, and that consular services would not be provided.

It did not say how long the missions would be closed. 

Meanwhile, the Swiss embassy in Iran said on Sunday it will remain temporarily closed until further notice due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

It made the announcement on the X social media site.

Switzerland's embassy in Tehran represents U.S. interests in Iran. Switzerland, which maintains a policy of neutrality, has held that mandate since the fallout from Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution. 

After decades of enmity and proxy wars, Israel's assault on Iran last week has touched off the most intense fighting yet and triggered fears of a lengthy conflict that could engulf the entire Middle East.

Israel says its attacks have hit military and nuclear facilities and killed many top commanders and atomic scientists.

But a senior US official said Sunday that US President Donald Trump told Israel to back down from a plan to kill supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump has urged the foes to "make a deal", but told reporters Sunday that "sometimes they have to fight it out" first.