Iran has warned the United Kingdom, the United States and France that their military bases and ships in the region will be targeted if they assist in blocking Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. The threat, announced via state media on Saturday, comes as Tehran seeks to deter Western support for Israel's defence amid escalating hostilities.
The UK government has stated that its forces have not provided any military assistance to Israel, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasising the need for de-escalation. However, the US and France have indicated they will help defend Israel. US officials reported that American forces have already helped shoot down Iranian drones and missiles, while President Emmanuel Macron said France would aid in Israel's defence against Iranian reprisals.
Israel has intensified its bombing of Iran, targeting Tehran and nuclear facilities. An Israeli Defense Forces official claimed that the aerial road to Tehran is effectively open after suppressing air defences. The IDF said it had attacked 150 targets inside Iran, including a fighter jet hangar at Mehrabad airport. Iran reported that about 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an attack on a housing complex in Tehran.
Among the casualties were nine nuclear scientists, described by an IDF official as key figures advancing Iran's nuclear programme. Iran's uranium enrichment plant at Fordow suffered limited damage, though Israel denied bombing it. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed damage to the above-ground part of the Natanz plant and noted radiological and chemical contamination, but said it was manageable and found no higher radiation levels outside the plant.
The IAEA reminded Israel that attacks on nuclear sites are illegal under the UN charter, warning of potential radioactive releases. Iran's envoy to the UN Security Council reported that 78 people have been killed and over 320 wounded in Israeli strikes, most of them civilians. The conflict has heightened tensions as Israel seeks to cripple Iran's nuclear programme and Iran vows retaliation.
