Israel has a right to defend itself, Mel Stride said this morning, after US officials reportedly confirmed an Israeli missile had hit Iran in the early hours of this morning. 

The Work and Pensions Secretary said Iran’s direct attack on Israel last weekend was “very significant” and the Government recognised “very clearly” the latter’s right to hit back. 

But he also said the UK was pressing Israel to “really work hard towards de-escalation”. 

He told Times Radio: “I think what we should say first and foremost of course is this is an evolving situation. These are unconfirmed reports as at the moment. 

“Where we are as a Government is recognising very clearly that Israel has a right to defend itself, indeed we joined in with others in doing exactly that when Iran made that very significant attack on Israel at the weekend. 

“At the same time though we are pressing our Israeli allies and others in the region to really work hard towards de-escalation. So that is the important message that we have at the moment but obviously we need to wait to see how events unfold and exactly what has happened.”

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