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The US president acknowledges the Israeli attack, which he described as ‘successful,’ but remains committed to a negotiated solution, reflecting how deeply averse his political base is to being dragged into a new war abroad.

Elected Republicans’ public support of Israel’s action indicates the more traditional national security hawks still have some ground to stand on, for now.

Many Iranians criticise their leaders for failing to protect the country – but others insist on its right to a nuclear programme.