The Kremlin statement said Russia would remain in close contact with both Iran and Israel. Israel has ordered its entire population to remain close to “protected spaces” like bomb shelters - a comparatively rare order, implying the leadership expects a fierce response from Iran.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said its armed forces will "bring Israel to its knees" after it has carried out dozens of airstrikes on the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities starting early Friday.