Middle East tensions
Hezbollah Confirms Nasrallah’s Death as Iran Warns of Retaliation Against Israel
Iran has called on Muslims to unite against Israel, following the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike that killed Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Labeling Israel a "rabid dog," Iran urged support for Hezbollah as the militant group confirmed Nasrallah’s death and vowed to continue its fight against Israel. Hezbollah's statement said that their leader had "joined his fellow martyrs" and pledged to persist in their struggle, stating, "The leadership of Hezbollah pledges to continue its jihad against the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast people."
Iran defies west’s request not to strike Israel
Iran has rebuffed Western appeals not to retaliate against Israel for the execution of Hamas leadership leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month. "Such demands lack political logic, are entirely contrary to the principles and rules of international law, and represent an excessive request," Iran's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Nasser Kanani, stated. According to the official IRNA news agency, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a late Monday phone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the West's silence on "unprecedented inhumane crime" in Gaza and Israeli attacks elsewhere in the Middle East was "irresponsible" and encouraged Israel to jeopardise regional and global security.
Starmer asks Iran to ‘refrain from striking Israel’ in ‘unusual’ call with POTUS
The prime minister expresses "deep concern" to President Masoud Pezeshkian amid mounting fears that Iran will retaliate against Israel for the execution of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Sir Keir Starmer has met with Iran's president in an international attempt to defuse tensions in the Middle East. The 30-minute phone talk with Masoud Pezeshkian came after the UK, US, France, and Germany released a united statement urging Iran and its allies to "stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel".