A significant escalation between the regional archenemies could result from an attack on Israel on Saturday, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which claimed to have launched dozens of drones and missiles at the country.
Following are some official statements and social media posts responding to the attack:
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel
“In recent times, and particularly in the last several weeks, Israel has been getting ready for an outright Iranian strike. We are prepared for every situation, both offensively and defensively, with our defensive systems in place. Israel is a powerful State. The IDF is powerful. The people are well-informed.We are grateful for the US’s support of Israel as well as that of many other nations, including Britain and France. We have established a definite principle: We will damage those who harm us. We are determined and will act calmly to defend ourselves against any threats.”
The Iranian delegation to the UN
Iran retaliated militarily against the Zionist regime for its attack against our diplomatic facilities in Damascus. We can consider the situation resolved.Iran will, however, react far more harshly if the Israeli administration makes another error. The US MUST REAIN FROM THIS CONFLICT, which is between Iran and the criminal Israeli state.”
Joe Biden, the president of the US
“To receive an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel, I just had a meeting with my national security team. Our
unwavering dedication to protecting Israel’s security from dangers posed by Iran and its allies.”
Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson
“America must demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting our vital partner Israel in the face of this heinous attack by Iran. The world needs to know that Israel is not by itself.
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the UN
“I vehemently denounce the grave escalation exemplified by the massive attack that the Islamic Republic of Iran unleashed against Israel this evening. I demand that these hostilities end right away.The very real threat of a catastrophic escalation that affects the entire region genuinely concerns me. I implore all sides to use extreme caution in order to prevent any action that might result in significant military conflicts in the Middle East on several fronts.
“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
Rishi Sunak, the prime minister of Britain
“I vehemently denounce the careless assault on Israel by the Iranian dictatorship. These attacks run the risk of escalating hostilities and causing regional instability. Iran has proven once more that it intends to cause havoc in its own borders.
“The UK will never back down from defending the security of Israel and all of its neighbors, including Jordan and Iraq. We are frantically trying to stabilize the situation and stop it from getting worse with our allies. Nobody desires to witness further violence.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada
“Canada strongly denounces Iran’s aerial assaults on Israel. We support Israel. The Iranian regime’s most recent acts will further destabilize the area and make a durable settlement more difficult, having previously supported Hamas’ barbaric attack on October 7.The bombings serve as another evidence of the Iranian regime’s contempt for regional stability and peace. We back Israel’s right to self-defense against these attacks and the protection of its people.”
Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister of Germany
“Iran has attacked Israel with rockets and drones. We vehemently denounce the current attack, which has the potential to devastate an entire region. This needs to end right away for Iran and its allies. Israel has our utmost support at this moment.”
Steffen Seibert, the ambassador of Germany to Israel
“Tonight, Germany stands in solidarity with all Israelis terrorized by Iran’s unprecedented and brutal onslaught, including Jews, Arabs, and Christians, as well as Bedouins in the Negev and Druze in the Golan. I hope they’re all safe.
Stephane Sejourne, the foreign minister of France
“The action against Israel by Iran is strongly condemned by France. Iran is stepping up its destabilizing activities and running the risk of a military escalation by deciding to take such an extraordinary step.”
Chief of EU Foreign Policy Josep Borrell
“The EU vehemently denounces the despicable Iranian strike against Israel. There has never been an escalation like this, and regional security is seriously threatened.”
Charles Michel, President of the European Council
Declare your strong opposition to Iran’s aggression on Israel. Every action must be taken to stop the regional crisis from getting worse. We have to prevent further violence. We and our partners will keep a careful eye on the issue.”
Pedro Sanchez, the prime minister of Spain
“We are quite concerned about what is happening in the Middle East. Our embassies throughout the area, which will continue to be available to assist Spaniards residing there, are in constant communication with us.
Premier of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte
“The Middle East scenario is really concerning. The Netherlands and other nations delivered Iran a strong warning earlier today asking it to desist from striking Israel. The attacks on Israel by Iran are vehemently denounced by the Netherlands. Preventing further escalation is imperative. We are still keeping a careful eye on developments.”
Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark
“The declared attack on Israel by Iran is fiercely denounced by Denmark. I implore everyone to exercise caution and defuse the situation. Both this attack and Iran’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East are intolerable.”
Espen Barth Eide, the foreign minister of Norway
“I denounce the unlawful and harmful Iranian onslaught that is currently targeting Israel. This is going to exacerbate an already highly unstable situation. We have to stop the conflict in the Middle East from getting worse. I urge everyone to be as cautious as possible.”
Czech Republic’s foreign ministry
“Czechia strongly denounces Iran’s disruptive actions and those of its proxies who chose to attack Israel. We stress that Israel has the right to self-defense. Long-term aggressive actions by Iran are making it impossible for the Middle East to exist in security and peace.”
Gustavo Petro, the president of Colombia
It was inevitable: at the exact moment when mankind should be reconstructing its economy to rapidly achieve decarbonization, we find ourselves in the prelude to World War III. The US’s practical backing for a genocide has sparked global outrage. While the course of a conflict is known to all, its conclusion is unknown. If only Israel’s people were as elevated as their predecessors, capable of putting an end to their monarch’s insanity. The UN needs to convene quickly and make a commitment to peace.”
Javier Milei, the president of Argentina
Following the strikes by the Islamic Republic of Iran, the office of President Javier Milei has expressed its sympathy and steadfast commitment to the State of Israel. The Republic of Argentina firmly supports the State of Israel in defending its sovereignty, especially against regimes that incite terror and want to destroy western civilization, and it acknowledges the right of State-Nations to self-defense.”
Santiago Pena, the president of Paraguay
“We express our complete solidarity for the Israeli people during these trying times, and we are concerned about the rise in violence in the area. To help our countrymen, we stay in touch with our embassies there.”
Alberto Van Klaveren is the foreign minister for Chile.
“We convey our alarm on the significant uptick in Middle East tensions as well as the Iranian strikes on Israel. Chile opposes the use of force and upholds the protection of civilian lives during armed conflicts provided by international humanitarian law.”
The Foreign Ministry of Mexico
“The attack on Israeli territory by Iran and the potential consequences for thousands of lives are of great concern to the government of Mexico. In order to prevent a wider confrontation in the Middle East, Mexico denounces the use of force in international affairs and exhorts the involved parties to exercise restraint and look for peaceful solutions. Mexico also stresses how crucial it is to uphold international law in order to maintain world peace and security.
