US and Israel Launch Strikes on Iran, Prompting Retaliation

The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, targeting major cities and prompting a strong retaliatory response from Tehran. The strikes, which were described as a major escalation of tensions in the region, have sparked widespread concern and calls for restraint from world leaders.

According to reports, the US and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iranian targets, including military installations and government buildings. The strikes were reportedly carried out by US and Israeli warplanes, and were described as a response to Iranian aggression in the region.

Iran quickly responded with retaliatory strikes, firing missiles at US and Israeli bases in the Gulf. The strikes triggered air raid sirens across Israel, with people taking cover in shelters and safe rooms. "Oh, I did not miss this sound," one woman said of the air raid alerts.

The UK, which did not participate in the initial wave of strikes, has deployed RAF Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar to protect the al-Udeid airbase and other allied military facilities in the region. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chaired a meeting of the UK government's Cobra emergency committee to decide the UK's response to the crisis.

World leaders have urged restraint in the face of the escalating tensions. The US-led attack on Iran has sparked widespread condemnation, with many countries calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. "We urge all parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation," said a spokesperson for the European Union.

The US has defended the strikes, saying they were necessary to protect American interests and prevent Iranian aggression. President Trump called on Iranians to overthrow their government, saying "the people of Iran deserve a better future".

The situation remains highly volatile, with tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran at a boiling point. The international community is holding its breath as the crisis unfolds, with many fearing a wider conflict in the region.

The UK's decision to deploy fighter jets to Qatar is seen as a precautionary measure, aimed at protecting British interests and personnel in the region. The move is also seen as a sign of the UK's commitment to its allies, including the US and Israel.

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Middle East is on the brink of a major crisis, and the world is holding its breath. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of events, and the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation develops.

Sources:

• Israelis Take Shelter as Sirens Warn of Incoming Missiles
• Here’s What World Leaders Are Saying About the U.S.-Led Attack on Iran
• Starmer chairs Cobra meeting after strikes by US and Israel on Iran
• What to Know About the U.S. Attacks on Iran