Some Iranians praise Israeli attacks

Iranian media reported on Friday that Davoud Sheikhiyan, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force’s air defense unit, was killed in Israeli strikes on Iran.

Sheikhiyan is believed to have played a key role in Iran’s air defense operations within the IRGC’s Aerospace Division, which oversees missile and drone capabilities.

The European Union on Friday voiced grave concern over rising tensions in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran’s military response, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy.

Speaking at the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, the EU said it remains committed to ensuring Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons and reaffirmed support for a negotiated solution.

"The European Union expresses serious concern about the risk of a spiral of violence in the Middle East," the EU delegation said. "It remains a key security priority for the EU to ensure through diplomatic means that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon."

“We urge all parties to abide by international law, show restraint, and avoid targeting of civilians and any steps which could lead to serious consequences such as potential radioactive release.”

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations said on Friday that the country's military operation against Iran could extend over several days or weeks.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Swiss ambassador to Tehran -whose country represents Washington's interests in Iran - to warn the US military against providing any support to Israel, including assistance in countering Iran's retaliatory attack.

"Iran warned against any US military support for the Zionist regime, including efforts to obstruct Iran's legitimate right to self-defense, and emphasized that such acts of aggression by the Zionist regime against Iran could not have taken place without US cooperation, coordination, or at the very least, a green light," the Foreign Ministry said.

The Swiss envoy was also told that "the United States must be held accountable for its unlawful conduct in this matter."

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani held a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, urging Tehran to avoid further military escalation with Israel and warning it would be extremely dangerous for the region.

“We must return to negotiations and diplomacy as soon as possible,” Tajani told Araghchi, adding that he had conveyed the same message earlier to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.