Macron condemns US and Israel Iran attack as illegal

Middle Eastern outlets focus on the danger that US-Israeli strikes on Iran and possible Israeli moves in Lebanon could trigger a broader regional conflict. Macron’s warning against an Israeli invasion of Lebanon is presented as a sign of European concern over escalation on multiple fronts. Commentators in the region expect more pressure from France and others for restraint, but doubt that this will stop further strikes in the short term.

• •Regional reporting notes that Israel has announced a large wave of new strikes on Iran, raising fears of Iranian retaliation across the Middle East.
• •Macron has publicly warned Israel against launching a ground invasion of Lebanon, reflecting concern over a second front involving Hezbollah.
• •Middle Eastern outlets stress that France is allowing only US planes not involved in Iran strikes to use its base, seen as an attempt to avoid direct complicity.
• •Coverage highlights that US officials say their firepower against Iran is about to surge dramatically, feeding expectations of more intense fighting.
• •Commentators in the region argue that European criticism of the strikes’ legality has so far not translated into concrete limits on US or Israeli military actions.