France, Germany, UK pledge ‘defensive action’ against Iran as tensions escalate: ‘Stop reckless attacks’

Key Highlights

• They warned that they could take steps to “defend our interests and those of our allies”, including supporting “necessary and proportionate defensive action” aimed at stopping Iran’s ability to fire missiles and drones.
• They added that they would work with the United States and regional allies on the issue. More from World Blasts echo Gulf region as oil tanker attacked off Oman leaves crew members injured Iran army helicopter crashes into market, 4 killed in Isfahan province accidentIran attacks allies Iran stepped up its retaliatory strikes on Sunday, targeting sites across at least nine countries in the Persian Gulf and Israel following the launch of the joint US-Israeli attack. Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Gulf cities prompted the United Arab Emirates to close its embassy in Tehran and recall its ambassador.
• The strikes killed four people and injured dozens more, marking the strongest reaction from a Gulf state since Tehran began targeting the region following the US-Israeli air campaign that killed its supreme leader and senior officials. The UAE foreign ministry said the attacks on civilian sites, including residential areas, airports and ports, constituted “a serious and irresponsible escalation”. Blasts reported in Bahrain and strikes hit OmanExplosions were heard in Manama, with witnesses reporting at least four loud blasts.
• No immediate information on damage or casualties was available. Later in the day, Oman’s official news agency said the Duqm commercial port in Al Wusta Governorate had been hit by two drones, injuring an expatriate worker.
• The attack was condemned by the Gulf Cooperation Council.