The US and Israeli military strikes that started on 28 February have hit thousands of targets across Iran and triggered retaliatory strikes in the Gulf region as Tehran seeks to impose a high cost on America and its allies.
Iran has attacked countries, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Azerbaijan became the latest country drawn in, as it accused Iran of firing drones at its territory and ordered its southern airspace closed for 12 hours. Israel has also been carrying out strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump Friday declared that there would be no deal with Iran to end the war and that he would only settle for “unconditional surrender”. Iran has also expressed no intention to enter any negotiations with the other side.
US-Israel & Iran conflict | LIVE UPDATES
09.40 am: China’s Wang Yi says Iran war ‘should not have happened’
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the ongoing US-Israeli military offensive against Iran should “never have happened”, calling for negotiations and an “immediate” end to the conflict.
At a news conference in Beijing, Wang added that force “will never resolve” the ongoing crisis. “A strong fist does not mean strong reason. The world cannot return to the law of the jungle,” he remarked.
Wang also said that he believes there is no popular support for regime change in Iran.
09.15 am: Trump reiterates demand for Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’