Tensions in the Middle East have surged after Israel launched overnight strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to respond with a barrage of drone attacks.
Early Friday, Iran launched around 100 drones targeting Israeli territory. According to Israeli reports, all were successfully intercepted.
The Iranian attack followed Israeli airstrikes that reportedly hit several key sites in Tehran, including residential areas. Civilian casualties, including children, have been reported. Among the dead are senior Iranian officials, including Revolutionary Guard commander Hossein Salami, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, the former head of the Atomic Energy Organization, and several nuclear scientists.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the situation “deeply concerning” and emphasized the need for de-escalation.
“We urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one,” Starmer said. “Now is the time for restraint, calm, and a return to diplomacy.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment, warning that further escalation poses a grave threat to global security.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney condemned Israel’s actions, calling them “horrendously dangerous” and unjustifiable, especially amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The international community must bring Israel to account. We must stand united against violence and further devastation,” Swinney said.
In response to Iran’s drone assault, Israel has declared a state of emergency, preparing for what officials expect to be further retaliation.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed revenge, accusing Israel of committing a crime that “will not go unpunished.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned that both Israel and the United States would face “heavy consequences.” However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied American involvement in the Israeli strikes.
The situation has been developing amid fragile nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S., which Israel opposes, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Iran insists its program is strictly for civilian use, though the International Atomic Energy Agency recently found Iran in breach of its obligations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Iran has accumulated enough material for nine nuclear bombs. Photo by Hanay, Wikimedia commons.