Russia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the Middle East for decades, trying to navigate its warm relations with Israel even as it has developed strong economic and military ties with Iran.

Germany, France and Britain are ready to hold immediate talks with Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme in an effort to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said.

President Trump warned Iran that any attack on U.S. interests would bring a massive retaliation. "The U.S. had nothing to do with the attack on Iran, tonight," he wrote on the Truth Social platform. "If we are attacked in any way,

Israel’s attack on Iran was long in the making – the result of years of meticulous planning by Israel and days of high-stakes talks between Tel Aviv and Washington, officials told CNN.

In a worst-case scenario, oil prices could surge to $120 per barrel, according to Lazard Geopolitical Advisory.

Israel's airstrikes have deepened a climate of fear within Iran, where there is a shortage of reliable information. A woman in Tehran said one of the worst things about the attacks is that they usually come without warning.