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Stakes are very high as European foreign ministers leave talks with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva, a former UK ambassador to the US has said.

Speaking to Jonathan Samuels, Sir Peter Westmacott said the talks are so important "because they have got to discuss with the Iranians whether they want to make an offer on the whole issue of enrichment and the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear programme".

But over in the US, Westmacott explained that the Republican opinion on Iran is divided.

"You've got the MAGA base who like to remind the president that he was elected on a platform of ending wars and not starting wars," he said.

"But you've also got... the more traditional Republican party who think here is an opportunity to not only kill off the enrichment, the nuclear programme, but deliver regime change."

Watch the full interview in the video below.

Some more reaction to bring you now from those talks in Geneva, this time from Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

He describes the talks with his British, German, French and EU counterparts as a serious and respectful discussion.

Araghchi says Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again and supports the continuation of talks.

Iran is prepared to meet with representatives of the three countries and the EU again in the near future, he adds.

While European foreign ministers were meeting with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva, Iran and Israel addressed the United Nations Security Council in New York.

Iran's ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said the country would continue to defend itself against Israel and called on the Security Council to take action. 

He added: "Israel apparently declared that it will continue this strike for as many days as it takes."

Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon said his nation would "not stop" its attacks, adding: "not until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled, not until its war machine is disarmed, not until our people and yours are safe".

We're now hearing from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his German, French and EU counterparts after talks with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva.

"The discussions we had with Iran is that regional escalation benefits no one," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says.

"That's why we need to keep the discussions with the UN open."

Lammy says: "We were clear Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and the E3 and Europe have been clear for many years that cannot happen.

"We are keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran and we urge Iran to continue their talks with the United States.

"This is a perilous moment and it is hugely important that we don't see regional escalation of this conflict."

France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot finishes the briefing by insisting diplomatic initiative should pave the way for negotiations.

He adds that Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said he is prepared to continue with discussions.

Back to Russia now, where Vladimir Putin is addressing an economic forum in St Petersburg.

Russia's president said he was concerned when asked if the world is heading towards World War Three.

Putin spoke about Russia's war with Ukraine before turning to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

"It is disturbing. I am speaking without any irony, without any jokes," he said.

"Of course, there is a lot of conflict potential, it is growing and it is right under our noses, and it affects us directly.

"This requires, of course, not only our careful attention to the events taking place, but also the search for solutions... preferably by peaceful means, in all directions."

Some lines to bring you now from the chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces.

Eyal Zamir has told Israelis to prepare for a "prolonged campaign" against Iran in order to "eliminate a threat of this magnitude".

He accused Iran of "building for years a clear plan to destroy the state of Israel" and added that the IDF "will not stand by and watch as threats develop".

"We are preparing for a range of possible developments," he said, adding "we have embarked on the most complex campaign in our history".

"The IDF is prepared for this. With each passing day, our freedom of action is expanding, and the enemy's is shrinking."

A further update to bring you on those that have been injured in the latest Iranian missile attack on Israel (see 14.28 post).

A 16-year-old boy and two men, aged 54 and 40, are among those to have been left seriously hurt from shrapnel, according to Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency service.

At least 23 people have been injured.

The MDA added that in the northern city of Karmiel, a woman died after suffering a heart attack while inside a shelter.

A security breach at an RAF base in Oxfordshire is being investigated by counter terror police.

Earlier, we told you how pro-Palestinian activists targeted RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military aircraft (see 10.15 post).

In a statement, the activists said they targeted the planes because "Britain continues to send military cargo, fly spy planes over Gaza and refuel US/Israeli fighter jets".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described their actions as "disgraceful", and Downing Street confirmed security is being reviewed across the "whole defence estate".

"Specialist counter terrorism officers are working closely with officers from Thames Valley Police and the Ministry of Defence Police," a Counter Terrorism Policing South East statement said.

"Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances."

Watch a video of the incident below.

An update to bring you from Iran, where the Tasnim news agency is reporting that a European national has been arrested.

The suspect is reported to have been arrested in the north west of the country for allegedly "spying on sensitive areas".

Further details are not yet available. We'll keep monitoring this and bring you any updates.

Over to Russia now, where Vladimir Putin has been addressing the St Petersburg forum and talking about the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Russia's president says he believes there is a resolution to be found between the two countries.

He says Russia does not seek to mediate between the sides, but instead wants to propose ideas on how they can reach a ceasefire agreement.

Putin adds that Moscow is in daily contact with Iran, and says he would like Russia's ideas to be realised.