MIDDLE EAST: TENSIONS RISE FOLLOWING LATEST ATTACKS

PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated end to Iran's nuclear programme as Israel issued a kill notice to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

- CHRIS HUGHES, CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN and MIKEY SMITH

Reacting to an Iranian missile strike on one of Israel's main hospitals, wounding 70 people, defence minister Israel Katz said his military had clear instructions to carry out.

Referring to Khamenei, he added: "This man absolutely should not continue to exist."

The threat is the first strong indication that Israeli warplanes are now actively hunting down Khamenei, who is believed to be in hiding somewhere in Tehran.

Urging caution, Starmer said: "Obviously all of us are very concerned about the nuclear programme that Iran is developing, long been concerned about that. We also completely recognise Israel's right to self defence.

"But we need to de-escalate this. There's a real risk of escalation here that will impact the region, possibly beyond the region, and it's already having an impact on the economy.

"I've been absolutely clear about this - the nuclear issue has to be dealt with, but it's better dealt with through negotiations than by way of conflict."