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 against targets in Iran – called Operation Rising Lion.

Follow latest: Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear sites

According to Iranian state media, six nuclear scientists were killed in Israel’s strikes. An Israeli military spokesperson said Iran had launched more than 100 drones towards the country.

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”.

The US said it had not been involved in Israel’s attack on Iran, and warned against any retaliation targeting American interests or personnel.

US President Donald Trump had previously urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to attack Iran while Washington negotiates a nuclear deal with the country.

Speaking to Sky News, British industry minister Sarah Jones said the UK was also not involved in the Israeli military operation.

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Asked if Israel was right to say that it had no choice but to carry out dozens of airstrikes on Iranian military sites overnight, Ms Jones said: “I don’t think anybody questions how destabilising Iran is being.”

“This is escalating, not de-escalating the situation. And we would urge restraint,” she added.

“We need to be calm at this point, work with our allies, do what we can to stop escalation, because we do not believe escalation is going to be helpful in the region or the wider, wider world, of course.”

The minister said the “foreign secretary will say more in due course”.