Mark Austin, Sky News’ Washington correspondent, suggested Israel could hit Iran with a nuclear attack amid growing tension between the countries.

During a live update from the United States on Tuesday, Mr Austin said Israel would “certainly look at the possibility of nuclear strikes on Iran”.

He later acknowledged on Twiter that he had "mis-spoken" and had intended to say Israel could consider "air strikes".

Mr Austin, a veteran newscaster who previously hosted ITV’s Evening News show, had said the nuclear strike option was “pretty easy to see” given what Israel had been saying “in the last few days”.

He concluded by saying: “These are very dangerous days at the moment.”

Cannot believe I heard a @SkyNews reporter in Washington claim the possibility of an Israeli nuclear strike on Iran. Seriously?!! Please tell me that was a slip of the tongue? pic.twitter.com/6EnTD9Y4En

— Simon Plosker (@SimonPlosker) May 1, 2018

After his comments were questioned by Twitter user Simon Plosker, who asked whether the comment had been a “slip of the tongue”, Mr Austin responded on the social media platform.

“What on earth are you talking about ? Israel has openly warned Iran of such an attack...” he wrote.

Later, following the JC's coverage of the remarks, Mr Austin added: "Apologies. I have listened back. It was a mis-speak. I meant to say 'air strikes'."