Iran and Israel escalate fears of wider Middle East conflict

• The shock confrontation between Iran and Israel has escalated fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
• Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, striking over 200 targets in Iran, including the Natanz nuclear facility, killing high-ranking Iranian military officers.
• Iran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel, with both sides claiming varying degrees of success in interception and damage.
• Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel had “begun a war” and warned “we will show them no mercy”, while Netanyahu appeared to incite Iranians to rise against their leaders.
• The US and UK denied involvement in the Israeli strikes, while concerns rise over potential regional destabilisation and attacks on US interests.

IN FULL

‘We will show no mercy’: Iran accuses Israel of starting a ‘war’ which many fear will engulf Middle East