Middle East crisis Reactions to Israel-Iran

Mixed emotions in Iran: “It’s about three egos”

Iranian residents who BBC Persian spoke to described their feelings in widely varying ways after last night’s US attack on nuclear facilities in the country. One woman the channel contacted said the uncertainty was making her feel paralysed.

– We are being caught in bed all the time.

Another woman blamed the attacks in recent weeks on the governments of Iran, Israel and the US.

– It’s so disappointing, because Iran’s war is about three people and their egos.

Others expressed loyalty.

– Even though our lives have become harder and our problems worse, we will stand by our country until the end.

Analyst: Iran stands alone – support unlikely

Iran’s leaders are starting to realise that they stand alone in the ongoing conflict with Israel and the US. That is the conclusion of Bloomberg's experts.

Allies such as Russia and China have stood on the sidelines and have so far only provided symbolic support. The militia groups that Iran has financed for many years are also unwilling to support the country - or they lack the means to do so.

- Iran is facing its biggest military test in decades, but help from Moscow or Beijing is unlikely, says Middle East analyst Dina Esfandiary.

She also points out that Russia and China are not formally military allies.

- It is unlikely that either of them will provide significant military or economic support, due to their own limitations and broader strategic considerations, says Esfandiary 

Expert: More attacks could spill over to oil countries

Several Gulf states are at risk of being attacked between the US and Iran because they host US military bases. This is reported by Reuters after last night's US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Middle East expert Hasan Al Hasan says that an open conflict between the countries risks plunging the region into a long-term and devastating conflict. He specifically points out Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter of oil, is on high alert, according to sources. The same applies to Kuwait's security council, where a shelter has also been set up next to the government building.

Iran has previously stated that the target of a retaliatory attack could be American bases in other countries.