In response to recent Israeli airstrikes across Iran, a senior US administration official clarified that while the US did not directly participate, it coordinated with Israel to ensure the operation minimized risks and avoided civilian harm. The strikes, described as “extensive” and “precise,” targeted Iranian military facilities, with the aim to deter future attacks and weaken Iran’s military capacity, according to the official. The operation was framed as a “proportionate self-defense response.”
In a press conference, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer voiced his support for Israel’s right to self-defense while calling on Iran to refrain from retaliation to prevent further escalation. “The Middle East needs to avoid further regional escalation,” Starmer stated, urging all parties to exercise restraint and pledging ongoing cooperation with allies to reduce tensions.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. The Kingdom urged all involved parties to practice maximum restraint and called on the global community to support peace initiatives aimed at de-escalating the conflict and stabilizing the region.