Israel-Iran latest: Iran threatens to strike UK, US and France military bases if they defend Israel

It’s just after 3pm in Tel Aviv and 3:30am in Tehran. If you’re just joining us, here is the key information you should know:

Netanyahu launched Israel’s largest-ever attack on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile facilities early on Friday. Attacks also wiped out many of Iran’s most senior military commanders. Dozens of civilians – including 20 children according to Iran’s state TV – have also been killed. Iran retaliated by launching waves of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, where explosions lit the night skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and shook the buildings below.Three people have been killed in Israel, one in Tel Aviv and two in Rishon Lezion. Dozens more have been injured. Iranian officials have since warned its retaliatory strikes will continue, and that they will target UK, French and US bases in the region if they defend Israel.

Israel’s real aim in Iran is regime change – and that suits the West just fine, writes World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley.

Lebanon has said it is planning to keep its airspace open this evening, as tensions between its neighbours Israel and Iran continues to rise.

Earlier, officials said the airspace would be shut down in the evening.

“The airport will remain open unless something emerges beyond our control,” Lebanese minister of public works and transport Fayez Rasamny said while touring in Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport.

The Middle East Airlines (MEA), Lebanese national carrier, will increase its flights to compensate the delayed flights, Rasamny said.

The ex-Fox News host turned on President Trump by accusing him of being “complicit” in Israel’s attacks on Iran.

Carlson rebuked Trump and the administration in his newsletter titled: “This Could Be the Final Newsletter Before All-Out War.”

“Despite being complicit in the act of war, the president hopes last night’s events will help his ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran,” Carlson wrote.

David Lammy has said he is “alarmed” by the strikes in the Middle East overnight.

In a post on X, the Foreign Secretary said: “Alarmed by further strikes in the Middle East overnight, with reports of fatalities and injuries in Israel.

“We must urgently de-escalate & prevent any further harm to civilians. Following the Prime Minister’s call with PM Netanyahu, I spoke to Iranian FM Araghchi to urge calm.”

David Lammy is expected to spend the day in talks with counterparts across the Middle East after Iran launched retaliatory attacks against Israel overnight.

The UK Foreign Secretary will be briefed by officials on Saturday and will speak to figures in the Middle East and elsewhere.

It comes after conversations with representatives from Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as well as European foreign ministers on Friday.