Iran has warned the United States, United Kingdom and France that their military bases and ships will be targeted if they help block Iranian missile and drone retaliation for Israel's attack. The threat, delivered through state media on Saturday, comes as Tehran seeks to deter Western support for Israel's defence.
US President Donald Trump has pledged to help defend Israel, and American officials confirmed US forces helped intercept Iranian drones and missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron also said France would assist in Israel's defence. However, the UK government stated it had not provided military assistance to Israel, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasising de-escalation.
The conflict escalated as Israeli planes bombed Tehran, while Iran launched salvos of missiles and drones. Israel's defence minister warned Iran's supreme leader that 'Tehran will burn' if attacks continue. Iran’s retaliatory strikes killed at least three people in Israel, while Israeli attacks on Iran killed 78 people, according to Iran's UN envoy, including nine nuclear scientists.
The IDF claimed to have severely damaged Iran's air defences and targeted nuclear facilities at Natanz and Fordow. The IAEA confirmed destruction at Natanz's above-ground sections but noted no damage to underground chambers. It reminded that attacks on nuclear sites are illegal and risk radioactive releases.
Iran's state TV reported about 60 deaths, including 20 children, in a strike on a Tehran housing complex. The IDF said it hit 150 targets inside Iran with hundreds of munitions, leaving 'the aerial road to Tehran effectively open'.
