Iran has warned that US, UK and French military bases and ships will be targeted if they help block Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. The threat, delivered through state media on Saturday, aims to deter Western support for Israel's defence amid ongoing aerial exchanges.
Donald Trump has stated the US will help defend Israel, and American officials have reportedly confirmed US forces helped shoot down Iranian drones and missiles. France's President Emmanuel Macron also pledged support for Israel's defence. However, the UK government said its forces had not provided military assistance to Israel, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasising de-escalation.
On Saturday, Israeli planes focused bombing sorties on Tehran while Iran retaliated with missile and drone salvoes. Israel appeared determined to cripple Iran's nuclear programme, and Iran vowed to make Israel regret its surprise attack. The IDF said Iran had fired around 200 ballistic missiles and launched numerous drones, most of which were intercepted.
Iran's envoy to the UN Security Council reported 78 deaths and over 320 injuries from Israeli attacks, including nine nuclear scientists. The IDF claimed to have inflicted significant damage at the Natanz enrichment plant, though the IAEA confirmed only above-ground destruction with no apparent damage to underground chambers. The IAEA reminded Israel that attacks on nuclear sites are illegal and risk radioactive releases.
