Keir Starmer warned Iran not to respond to Israeli strikes on military targets

Keir Starmer called Iran not retaliate as world leaders fear response to barrage Israeli will strike at night.

Israel carried out three waves of airstrikes. early Saturday morning, apparently linking them to missile strikes from Tehran earlier this month.

Israel has made no secret of its plans to retaliate against Iran, which it also accuses of supporting Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the world anxiously awaits Iran’s response, the Prime Minister warned of the need to prevent tensions escalating throughout the region.

The US also said Israel’s overnight strikes should end direct fire between the two countries and warned. Tehran “consequences” if he answers.

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 need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all parties to exercise restraint.

“Iran should not react,” he added. “We will continue to work with allies to de-escalate the situation throughout the region.”

A Number 10 spokesman said on Saturday morning that the government supports Israel’s “right to self-defence and to defend itself in the ranks” as long as it adheres to “international humanitarian law”.

Israel said the attacks were not aimed at nuclear or oil facilities, while Iran said military bases in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran provinces were targeted.

Israel said its plane struck “missile factories used to produce the missiles Iran fired at the State of Israel last year.”

The statement added that the airstrikes caused “limited damage.”

In a pre-recorded video statement posted on social media early Saturday morning, Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “The regime in Iran and its proxies in the region have been relentlessly 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 responsibility to respond.”

A US statement said Israel’s latest attack on Iran should now “end” the shootout between the two sworn 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 right to self-defense.