Keir Starmer has insisted Iran not to retaliate because world leaders fear a response to a barrage of Israeli strikes tonight.
Israel launched three waves of air strikes early Saturday, explicitly linking them to rocket attacks from Tehran earlier this month.
Israel had made no secret of its plans to strike back against Iran, which it also blames for supporting Hamas in Gaza.
As the world eagerly awaits Iran’s response, the Prime Minister warned of the need to ensure tensions do not escalate across the region.
The US also said Israel’s nighttime attacks should put an end to the direct firefight between the two countries and warned Tehran of “consequences” if it responds.
Keir Starmer warned Iran not to retaliate (via REUTERS)
Speaking at a press conference in Samoa, Sir Keir said: “I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression and I am equally clear that we must avoid further regional escalation and urge all parties should be urged to exercise restraint.
“Iran should not respond,” he added. “We will continue to work with allies to de-escalate the situation across the region.”
A spokesperson for Number 10 said on Saturday morning that the government supports “Israel’s right to self-defence and to protect itself” as long as the country adheres to “international humanitarian law”.
Israel has said the strikes did not target nuclear or oil facilities, while Iran said the targets were military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran provinces.
Israel said its aircraft “struck missile production facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran has fired against the State of Israel over the past year.”
A statement added that the airstrikes caused “limited damage”.
Tehran after several explosions were heard (AFP via Getty Images)
In a pre-recorded video statement shared on social media early Saturday morning, Israeli military spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “The regime in Iran and its allies in the region have been ruthlessly attacking Israel since October 7… including direct attacks. from Iranian soil.”
“Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and obligation to respond.”
The US said in a statement that Israel’s latest attack on Iran should now “complete” the firefight between the two arch-enemies.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reaffirming America’s commitment to Israel’s security and the right to self-defense.
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