Israel struck military sites in Iran on Saturday, saying it was retaliating against Tehran's missile attack on Israel on 1 October, the latest exchange in the escalating conflict between the Middle East rivals. The risk of a wider conflagration between heavily armed Israel and Iran has convulsed a region already on fire with warfare in Gaza and Lebanon, but it was not clear whether the overnight strikes would trigger further escalation.
In the wake of Israeli air strikes on Iran, questions are mounting over how Iran may respond to the attacks.
The Iranian army said two soldiers have been killed in these Israeli air strikes, and warned against any retaliation.
Iran says has 'duty' to defend itself, Iranian authorities said.
Following are some of the main foreign reactions to Israel's strikes.
France urges parties to refrain from escalation
France has taken note of Israel's announcement of strikes against military targets in Iran tonight.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement: "France urges the parties to refrain from any escalation and action likely to aggravate the context of extreme tension prevailing in the region."
Senior Biden administration official
Said Israel's strikes on military sites in Iran appear to have been a targeted and proportional response to Tehran's earlier attacks, with low risk of civilian harm.
The official said this should be the end of direct exchange of fire between the two countries, adding that the U.S. has multiple direct and indirect channels of communication with Iran where it has made its position clear.
"Should Iran choose to respond we are fully prepared to defend Israel and support Israel and there will be consequences should Iran make that unfortunate decision," said the official.
"But as far as we're concerned, this direct exchange, this should be the end of it."
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
"I am clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression," Starmer said.
"I'm equally clear that we need to avoid further regional escalation and urge all sides to show restraint. Iran should not respond."
Saudi Arabia statement published by official state news agency
"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and denunciation of the military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is a violation of its sovereignty and a violation of international laws and norms.
The Kingdom affirms its unwavering position in its rejection of the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict that threatens the security and stability of the countries and people of the region.
The Kingdom urges all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and reduce escalation."
Pakistani Foreign office statement
"Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran. These strikes undermine path to regional peace and stability and also constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
Israel bears full responsibility for the current cycle of escalation and expansion of the conflict. We call on the UN Security council to play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security, and to take immediate steps to bring an end to Israeli recklessness in the region and its criminal behaviour."
United Arab Emirates, statement on Foreign ministry website
"The UAE strongly condemns the military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran and expresses deep concern over the continued escalation and its impact on regional security and stability."
The ministry emphasised the "importance of exercising the highest levels of restraint and wisdom to avoid risks and the expansion of conflict".
Iraqi Prime Minister's office in a statement
Israel "continues its aggressive policies and expansion of conflict in the region, employing blatant acts of aggression without deterrence. This time, its hand of aggression has targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran through an airstrike on Iranian targets early this morning.
The statement said Iraq "reiterates its firm stance calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and for comprehensive regional and international efforts to support stability in the region".
Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Telegram
"The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) strongly condemns the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting military sites in multiple provinces. We consider this a flagrant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the security of the region and the safety of its people, placing full responsibility on the occupation for the consequences of this aggression, supported by the United States of America."
(with Reuters)
