News>world>'Grave threat to regional security': World responds to Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel

'Grave threat to regional security': World responds to Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel

2024-04-14 09:18:42 | Last update : 2024-04-14 17:51:47

Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel triggers global response, world leaders and international organizations express concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East

'Grave threat to regional security': World responds to Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has launched an extensive retaliatory missile and drone operation against Israel in response to Israel's attack on the Iranian mission in Syria earlier in April.

The Sunday attack, which targeted Israeli-occupied territories, has escalated tensions between the regional archenemies.

According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, approximately 150 missiles were fired at the Israeli-occupied territories and the New York Times reported that Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles toward these areas.

World leaders have responded to the attack through official statements and posts on social media.

Israeli PM says 'State of Israel strong'

"In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any defensive and offensive scenario. The State of Israel is strong. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) is strong. The public is strong," the Israeli premier said.

"We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries. We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination," he added.

'U.S. must stay away'

"Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded," Iran's mission to the U.N. said.

"However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. must stay away!"

'U.S. commitment to Israel is ironclad'

"I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," U.S. President Joe Biden said.

U.S. says 'Israel not alone'

"As Israel faces this vicious attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally," said U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.

"The world must be assured: Israel is not alone," he added.

'World cannot afford another war'

"I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities," said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East."

"I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war."

'Iran to sow chaos in its backyard'

"I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard," said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

"The U.K. will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

'China expresses deep concern'

“China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

“China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region,” the spokesperson added.

'Iran's attack can worsen current Middle East situation'

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," said Japan's Foreign Ministry.

'Iran's latest actions to make lasting peace more difficult'

"Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel. We stand with Israel," said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"After supporting Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult. These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region."

"We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks," the Canadian premier added.

'Iran's attack can plunge entire region into chaos'

"Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. Israel offers our full solidarity at this time," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

'Germany's solidarity with all Israelites'

"Germany’s solidarity is with all Israelis tonight whom Iran is terrorizing with this unprecedented and ruthless attack: Jews as well as Arabs and Christians, the Bedouins in the Negev as well as the Druze in the Golan. May they all be safe,” said German Ambassador to Isreal, Steffen Seibert.

'Risk of a military escalation'

"France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel. By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and taking the risk of a military escalation," French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said.

'Grave threat to regional security'

"The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security," said EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell.

'Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation'

"Strongly condemn the attack launched by Iran on Israel. Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to follow the situation closely with our partners," said European Council President Charles Michel.

'Following events in Middle East with the deepest concern'

"We are following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern. We are in permanent contact with our embassies in the region which will remain open to support Spaniards in the area,” said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

"We're in prelude to WW III"

"It was predictable; we're now in the prelude to World War III precisely when humanity should rebuild its economy towards the rapid goal of decarbonization," Said Colombia's President Gustavo Petro.

"The support of the U.S., in practice, for a genocide, has ignited the world. Everyone knows how wars start, no one knows how they end. If only the people of Israel were high enough, like their ancestors, to stop the madness of their ruler. The United Nations must meet urgently and must immediately commit to peace," he added.

'Netherlands strongly condemns Iran's attacks on Israel'

"Very worrying situation in the Middle East. Earlier today, the Netherlands and other countries sent a loud and clear message to Iran to refrain from attacking Israel," said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

"The Netherlands strongly condemns Iran's attacks on Israel. Further escalation must be prevented. ... We continue to monitor developments very closely," Rutte added.

'Iran’s destabilizing role in Middle East unacceptable'

"Denmark strongly condemns Iran's announced attack on Israel. I urge everyone to show restraint and de-escalate the situation. Iran’s destabilizing role in the Middle East is unacceptable – and so is this attack," said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Ramussen.

'Attack can deteriorate already extremely volatile situation'

"I condemn the illegal and dangerous Iranian attack underway against Israel. This will further deteriorate an already extremely volatile situation. We must prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East. I call upon all parties to exercise maximum restraint," Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said.

'Czechia firmly condemns Iran's attack'

"Czechia firmly condemns the destabilizing behavior of Iran and its proxies who decided to attack Israel. We reiterate the Israeli right to self-defense. Iran’s long-term aggressive behavior is preventing the Middle East region from living in peace and security," said the Czech Republic's Foreign Ministry.

'Argentina expresses solidarity with Israel'

The office of President Javier Milei expresses its solidarity and unwavering commitment to the State of Israel following the attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"The Republic of Argentina recognizes the right of state nations to defend themselves and strongly supports the State of Israel in the defense of its sovereignty, in particular against regimes that promote terror and seek the destruction of Western civilization," said Argentina's President Javier Milei's office.

'Paraguay concerned about increase of violence in region'

"In such difficult times, we express our full support for the people of Israel and are concerned about the increase of violence in the region. We remain in contact with our embassies in the region to serve our compatriots," said Paraguay's President Santiago Pena.

'Chile concerned about the serious escalation of tensions'

"We express our concern about the serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East and the Iranian attacks against Israel. Chile condemns the use of force and defends international humanitarian law, which protects civilian lives in armed conflicts," said Chile's Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren.

'Mexico expresses deep concern over Iran's attack'

"The government of Mexico expresses deep concern over Iran's attack against Israeli territory and the impact that this could have on thousands of human lives. Mexico condemns the use of force in international relations and calls on the parties to self-restrain and seek solutions peacefully to avoid a more general conflict in the Middle East," said Mexico's Foreign Ministry.

Mexico also emphasizes the importance of respecting international law for the sake of international peace and security," it added.

Source: Newsroom