Iran has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom, United States, and France, stating that their military bases and ships will be targeted if they assist in blocking Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. The threat, delivered through state media on Saturday, aims to deter Western support for Israel's defence amid ongoing hostilities.
The UK government has confirmed that its forces have not provided military assistance to Israel, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasising the need for de-escalation. In contrast, US President Donald Trump has pledged American support for Israel's defence, and French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that France would help defend Israel against Iranian reprisals.
Iran's warning comes as most of its missiles and drones fired at Israel are intercepted before reaching their targets. However, following through on the threat would be a significant gamble, potentially drawing Western forces into the conflict. At the UN Security Council on Friday, US diplomat McCoy Pitt warned that targeting American citizens or infrastructure would have dire consequences for Iran.
The aerial war between Israel and Iran has intensified, with Israeli planes focusing bombing sorties on Tehran while Iran retaliates with missile and drone strikes. Iran's attacks have killed at least three people and wounded dozens. Israel's defence minister, Israel Katz, warned Iran's supreme leader that 'Tehran will burn' if attacks on Israeli civilians continue.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iran has fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles and launched over 200 drones, most of which were intercepted. Israel has struck 150 targets inside Iran, including air defences in Tehran. An IDF official stated that 'the aerial road to Tehran is effectively open'. Iranian state media reported that a fighter jet hangar at Mehrabad airport was targeted, and around 60 people, including 20 children, were killed in an attack on a housing complex in Tehran.
Iran's envoy to the UN security council reported 78 deaths and over 320 injuries from Israeli attacks, including nine nuclear scientists. The IDF described these scientists as key figures advancing Iran's nuclear programme. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to Iran's Natanz enrichment plant but noted no apparent damage to underground chambers. The IAEA reminded Israel that attacks on nuclear sites are illegal under the UN charter.
