Iran should not respond to Israeli strikes, Starmer says

Keir Starmer has called on Iran to refrain from retaliation following Israel's recent airstrikes on military locations within Iran. He emphasized the importance of preventing an increase in tensions in the Middle East.

During a press conference in Samoa, the prime minister stated, “I firmly believe that Israel has the right to protect itself from Iranian hostility. At the same time, I emphasize the importance of preventing additional regional tensions and call on everyone involved to exercise caution. Iran should refrain from reacting.”

"We will keep collaborating with our partners to reduce tensions in the area."

The government announced that it is paying close attention to the developments in the Middle East following the attacks that occurred early Saturday morning.

Two Israeli officials told the Associated Press that the attacks were not aimed at nuclear or oil installations.

On Saturday morning, a spokesperson from No 10 stated that the government backs Israel's right to defend itself, as long as this is done in accordance with international humanitarian law.

"The statement emphasized that no one benefits from increasing tensions."

Israel announced that its planes targeted factories involved in the production of missiles that Iran launched at Israel over the past year.

Iran announced that the airstrikes focused on military facilities located in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran, resulting in “minimal damage.”

In Syria, the state-run news agency Sana reported, referencing an unnamed military source, that “a series of missile strikes originating from the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanese territories aimed at several military locations in the southern and central areas” early Saturday morning. The report indicated that Syria's air defense systems managed to intercept some of the incoming missiles.

In a video message posted on social media early Saturday morning, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “Since October 7, Iran and its allies in the region have been persistently assaulting Israel, including direct strikes launched from Iranian territory.”

"Similar to any other independent nation, Israel has both the right and the responsibility to take action."

Two US officials, who requested to remain unnamed, informed the Associated Press that the United States did not participate in Israel's actions against Iran.

Following an Iranian missile strike on October 1, Israel promised to retaliate strongly against Iran. The United States stated that Israel's recent offensive should finalize the conflict exchange between the two rival nations.

The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, had a conversation with Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, regarding Israel's strike on Iran. During their discussion, he reiterated America’s dedication to Israel’s safety and its right to defend itself.

In a recent announcement from the US Department of Defense, Austin emphasized the strong commitment to protecting American personnel, Israel, and its allies in the Middle East against threats posed by Iran and its affiliated terrorist groups. He also highlighted the US’s resolve to ensure that no entity takes advantage of the current tensions or escalates the conflict in the area.