UK Prime Minister, Joe Biden, rebuked Iran’s aggressive actions against Israel over the weekend, restating America’s unwavering dedication to Israel’s safety. During a night strike, Iran deployed over 300 drones and missiles, a move that could significantly intensify tensions between the long-standing rivals. However, Israel reports that 99% of these were successfully intercepted.
Mr Biden held a meeting with his national security advisors to discuss this alarming display of hostility by Iran. He declared the US’s unfaltering allegiance to protect Israel against any hostile activities by Iran and its accomplices.
The US president also announced his plans to rally the G7 leaders for a strategic meeting the following day to devise a collective diplomatic approach in response to this unprecedented attack by Iran. Such discussions would include the representatives from the seven major global economies.
Following the assault, Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, reassured the public noting that Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran over the past few years and has its defences in place. Undeterred, he emphasized that the Israeli military and the public remain strong and are prepared to counter any attack, indicating their readiness for both defensive and offensive measures.
He extended his gratitude to the US and other supporting nations like the UK, France, and several others for their solidarity with Israel. Stating Israel’s resolute approach, he declared that any entity causing harm to them would face retribution.
Iran’s representative to the United Nations expressed that their military action was in response to an attack on their embassy in Damascus by the Zionist regime. They considered this issue as settled but warned of a considerably stronger response should Israel err again, urging the US to refrain from intervening in Iran’s conflict with Israel.
Meanwhile, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, vehemently condemned this escalation of tension caused by Iran’s large-scale attack on Israel, urging an immediate termination of these aggressive actions.
“I am gravely concerned by the increasing risk of a catastrophic regional escalation. I implore all involved to Exercise the utmost restraint to prevent any actions that might initiate major military skirmishes across numerous fronts in the Middle East.
Repeatedly, I have emphasised that the region, as well as the globe, cannot bear the burden of another conflict.
I denounce, in the sternest terms, the irresponsible Iranian assault against Israel,” Rishi Sunak, the UK Prime Minister announced.
“These attacks have potential to enflame the situation and destabilise the area. Once again Iran has illustrated its intent to breed turmoil in its neighbouring region.
The UK will persist in its support for the security of Israel as well as all our regional allies, encompassing Jordan and Iraq. Along with our associates, we are diligently striving to ensure stability and hinder further escalation. Everybody wishes to avoid more violence.”
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister, condemned Iran’s aerial offensive against Israel, expressing Canadian solidarity with the nation. He expressed the belief that following its support of Hamas’s brutal assault on October 7th, Iran’s most recent actions will likely destabilise the Middle East further and hamper the possibility for enduring peace.
“These attacks exhibit, yet again, Iran’s disregard for peace and stability in the area. We back Israel’s entitlement to shield its population from these assaults.”
Germany’s foreign minister Annalena Baerbock added “We give our full support to Israel in these difficult times… We categorically denounce the continuous assault, which could potentially hurl an entire area into disorder. The Iranian forces and its allies must cease this immediately.”
Steffen Seibert, Germany’s ambassador to Israel provided reassurances of Germany’s solidarity with all Israelis, at risk from Iran’s brutalities, including Jews, Arabs, Christians, the Bedouin in Negev and the Druze in Golan, hoping for their safety.
France’s foreign minister further criticised the assault stating, “Iran’s destabilising actions represent a new phase, increasing the risk of military escalation.”
Finally, Josep Borrell, chief of EU foreign policy, announced the EU’s strong condemnation of Iran’s “unacceptable” assault against Israel. “This represents an unrivalled escalation and a severe peril to the security of the region,” he said.
Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, emphasised the necessity to stave off any further regional escalation and to minimise bloodshed, promising to remain vigilant alongside its allies. Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, expressed deep apprehension about the events unfolding in the Middle East, adding that Spanish embassies in the region will offer continued support to Spanish citizens.
Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister, characterised the situation as alarming. He recounted a joint message sent earlier to Iran by the Netherlands and several other nations, urging Iran to abstain from launching attacks against Israel. He reiterated the Netherlands’ objection to Iran’s assaults on Israel and stressed the need to deter further escalation.
Denmark’s foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, condemned Iran’s hostility and called for restraint and de-escalation, labelling Iran’s disruption in the Middle East as intolerable. Echoing earlier sentiments by other European leaders, Norway’s foreign minister, Espen Barth, denounces the unlawful and perilous Iranian strike against Israel, and urges all parties to practise restraint to prevent further violence escalation in the Middle East.
The Czech foreign ministry condemned Iran’s damaging conduct and its decision to attack Israel, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defence, expressing the view that Iran’s perpetual belligerence is hampering peace and security in the Middle East.
Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, claimed that the attack was foreseeable and expressed concern about the world’s precarious situation and the need to focus on rebuilding economies in line with decarbonisation goals. He also criticised the USA’s implicit support for genocide and called for urgent action from the United Nations in facilitating peace.
Argentina’s office president, Javier Milei, offered unwavering solidarity and commitment to Israel amidst the situation.
The Republic of Argentina has voiced its endorsement for the self-defence rights of nations, particularly Israel’s preservation of its independence against terror-promoting regimes that threaten the values of the west. Additionally, President Santiago Pena of Paraguay has expressed comprehensive support for the people of Israel amidst these turbulent times, amid concerns over the escalating violence in the area. A constant liaison is maintained with their diplomatic representations in the region to assist their countrymen.
Chile’s foreign secretary, Alberto Van Klaveren, voiced his apprehensions about the increasing Middle East tensions and Iran’s attacks on Israel. Chile espouses international humanitarian law, asserting its commitment to safeguard civilian lives during military confrontations, Klaveren notably stated.
Mexico has also publicly communicated its distress about Iran’s aggressive manoeuvres and the potential human toll. Mexico denounces any form of force in global diplomacy, advocating for self-restraint and peaceful conflict resolution to prevent the broader conflict in the Middle East. Mexico further highlights the criticality of upholding international legislature for worldwide peace and security, according to Reuters.
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