The UK has called for restraint and diplomacy after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran early on Friday.

The Israeli military said a “pre-emptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence” had been launched – called Operation Rising Lion.

Follow latest: Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear sites

In a statement, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged “all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently”.

He added: “Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate.

“Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that “this is a dangerous moment” and said “stability in the Middle East is vital for global security”.

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