Rishi Sunak calls for 'calm' as Israel launches attack on Iran

Sign up to the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inboxReceive our free View from Westminster emailPlease enter an email address valid emailPlease enter a valid email addressI would like to receive an email about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice{{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later.{{ /verifyErrors }}
Britain called for de-escalation after Israel launched retaliatory attack on Iran, with explosions heard near major military air base .
As Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with his G7 counterparts in Italy to discuss easing tensions in the Middle East, Tehran was forced to activate its system of air defense over the city of Isfahan, which is also home to sites associated with Iran's nuclear program.
However, it remains unclear whether the country was under attack, with no Iranian official directly acknowledging the possibility, and the International Atomic Energy Agency reporting no damage to nuclear sites Iranians.
Demand On emerging reports on Sky News, a government minister said the UK accepted Israel's "absolute right to defend itself" – but insisted Britain was “very strongly committed to advising de-escalation and moderation at this particular time.”
“We believe de-escalation is now absolutely essential. Our message to everyone in the region, including Israel, is that de-escalation is really important,” Stride said. “The Foreign Minister is currently in Italy speaking with his G7 counterparts and they will focus on precisely that.”
The focus must now be on getting aid to Gaza – on which Britain has made “progress” – and on ceasefires and the release of hostages, Mr Stride said, adding: “So there is a lot of work to do. »
Although the extent of Israel's military action remains unclear, it comes despite urgings from Britain and Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed restraint following Iran's unprecedented direct attack last Saturday, when hundreds of drones and missiles were launched into Israel.
“De Obviously, the picture is still quite vague, everyone will benefit from keeping it vague. for a while, while they think about how they want to describe what happened overnight, because in a way the reaction is as important as the event itself,” Tom Fletcher, former British ambassador to Lebanon, told the BBC.
“Across the region, people I hear are ready, many are waking up with real fear. Isfahan is a serious nuclear site, and it is a sign that Israel intends to continue this high-stakes poker game with Iran. »
More information will follow...

Politics Apr 20, 2024 0 6 Add to Reading List

Rishi Sunak calls for 'calm' as Israel launches attack on Iran

Sign up to the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inboxReceive our free View from Westminster emailPlease enter an email address valid emailPlease enter a valid email addressI would like to receive an email about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice{{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later.{{ /verifyErrors }}

Britain called for de-escalation after Israel launched retaliatory attack on Iran, with explosions heard near major military air base .

As Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with his G7 counterparts in Italy to discuss easing tensions in the Middle East, Tehran was forced to activate its system of air defense over the city of Isfahan, which is also home to sites associated with Iran's nuclear program.

However, it remains unclear whether the country was under attack, with no Iranian official directly acknowledging the possibility, and the International Atomic Energy Agency reporting no damage to nuclear sites Iranians.

Demand On emerging reports on Sky News, a government minister said the UK accepted Israel's "absolute right to defend itself" – but insisted Britain was “very strongly committed to advising de-escalation and moderation at this particular time.”

“We believe de-escalation is now absolutely essential. Our message to everyone in the region, including Israel, is that de-escalation is really important,” Stride said. “The Foreign Minister is currently in Italy speaking with his G7 counterparts and they will focus on precisely that.”

The focus must now be on getting aid to Gaza – on which Britain has made “progress” – and on ceasefires and the release of hostages, Mr Stride said, adding: “So there is a lot of work to do. »

Although the extent of Israel's military action remains unclear, it comes despite urgings from Britain and Washington. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed restraint following Iran's unprecedented direct attack last Saturday, when hundreds of drones and missiles were launched into Israel.

“De Obviously, the picture is still quite vague, everyone will benefit from keeping it vague. for a while, while they think about how they want to describe what happened overnight, because in a way the reaction is as important as the event itself,” Tom Fletcher, former British ambassador to Lebanon, told the BBC.

“Across the region, people I hear are ready, many are waking up with real fear. Isfahan is a serious nuclear site, and it is a sign that Israel intends to continue this high-stakes poker game with Iran. »

More information will follow...