Airlines serving the Middle East have cancelled or diverted flights after the US and Israel launched deadly strikes on Iran.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air are among carriers to pare back their schedules to destinations in the Middle East, citing safety concerns.

Sites in Iran including in the capital, Tehran, have been targeted in the attacks on Saturday. Iran has been accused of launching retaliatory strikes on Israel and several other nations hosting US facilities in the region with civilian casualties.

The UK Foreign Office has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to immediately shelter in place following reports of explosions.

US President Donald Trump cited a failure to reach an agreement to limit Iran's nuclear programme and regime change as among the reasons for launching the attack.