London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Friday for "restraint" and "diplomacy" after the Israeli occupation forces launched a barrage of airstrikes on Iran early on Friday. He described the reports of the Israeli occupation's so-called Operation Rising Lion as "concerning." Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had targeted the "heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme," which he feared would eventually be aimed at the Israeli occupation.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Iran promised "severe punishment" for the attacks, which killed several top commanders and nuclear scientists. In an initial response, Iran launched 100 drones towards the Israeli occupation.
Starmer urged "all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently." He emphasized that "Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate." He further added, "Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy."
David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, also commented on the situation, calling it a "dangerous moment." He stressed the importance of stability in the Middle East for global security and noted that further escalation poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. "This is a dangerous moment and I urge all parties to show restraint," he stated on his X account.