Noting Israeli fatalities, UK ‘alarmed by further strikes in the Middle East’

Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy says he is “alarmed” by the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

“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,” Lammy says on X, formerly Twitter, adding that he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi “to urge calm.”

Three civilians were killed and 70 wounded in ballistic missile barrages fired by Iran at Israel. Tehran has not given an updated death toll in the Israeli strikes targeting its military and nuclear infrastructure.

According to London’s The Times, the UK was not informed about Israel’s initial strikes on Iran in advance, amid deteriorating ties between the two countries.