“This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue regime of Israel,”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday, an attack that could significantly escalate tensions between regional foes.
Here are some reactions to the attack from official statements and social media posts:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
“In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defense systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, whether defensive or offensive. The State of Israel is strong. IDF Mass is powerful.
“We are grateful to the United States for standing with Israel, and for the support of the United Kingdom, France and many other countries. We have established a clear principle: whoever harms us, we harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so Be cool-headed and determined.”
Iranian Mission to the United Nations
“…Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. This matter can be considered closed.
“However, if the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran’s response will be even harsher. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, and the United States must stay away!”
U.S. National Security Spokesperson Adrienne Watson
“President Biden has made it clear: Our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the Israeli people and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson
“As Israel faces a vicious attack from Iran, the United States must demonstrate its unwavering resolve to stand with our key allies. The world must be reassured: Israel is not alone.”
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attacks on Israel. These attacks have the potential to escalate tensions and destabilize the region. Iran has once again demonstrated its intention to sow chaos in its own backyard.”
“The UK will continue to safeguard the security of Israel and all regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We are working urgently with our allies to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Canada unequivocally condemns Iran’s air strikes against Israel. We stand with Israel. In support of Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace difficult more difficult.
“These attacks once again demonstrate the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to protect itself and its people from these attacks.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock
“Iran has launched drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attacks, which threaten to plunge the entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this behavior immediately. Israel expresses its full solidarity at this time.”
German Ambassador to Israel Stephan Seibert
“Tonight, Germany stands in solidarity with all Israelis whom Iran is terrorizing with this unprecedented and ruthless attack: Jews, Arabs and Christians, Bedouins in the Negev and Druze in the Golan Heights. May they all be safe.”
French Foreign Minister Stephane Serjun
“France condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s attack on Israel. By deciding to take this unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and risks military escalation.”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell
“The EU strongly condemns Iran’s unacceptable attack on Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and poses a serious threat to regional security.”
European Council President Charles Michel
“Strongly condemn Iran’s attack on Israel. All measures must be taken to prevent further escalation of the regional situation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to closely monitor developments with our partners.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“We are following events in the Middle East with the deepest concern. We are in constant contact with our embassies in the region and these embassies will remain open to support Spaniards in the region.”
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
“The situation in the Middle East is very worrying. Earlier today, the Netherlands and other countries sent a loud and clear message to Iran, asking it not to attack Israel. The Netherlands strongly condemns Iran’s attack on Israel. Further escalation must be prevented… We continue Pay close attention to developments.”
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lok Rasmussen
“Denmark strongly condemns Iran’s announced attack on Israel. I urge everyone to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation. Iran’s destabilizing role in the Middle East is unacceptable, and this attack is no different.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Bart Eide
“I condemn Iran’s ongoing illegal and dangerous attacks on Israel. They will further worsen an already extremely volatile situation. We must prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East. I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
“The Czech Republic firmly condemns the destabilizing behavior of Iran and its proxies who decided to attack Israel. We reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense. Iran’s long-term aggressive behavior is hindering peace and security in the Middle East.”
Paraguay President Santiago Pena
“We express our full support to the people of Israel at such a difficult time and are concerned about the increase in violence in the region. We remain in contact with our embassies in the region to provide services to our fellow citizens.”
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Clavelen
“We are concerned about the serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East and Iran’s attacks on Israel. Chile condemns the use of force and defends international humanitarian law that protects civilian life in armed conflicts.”
Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The Government of Mexico is deeply concerned about the Iranian attack on Israeli territory and its possible impact on thousands of lives. Mexico condemns the use of force in international relations and calls on all parties to exercise self-restraint and to seek peaceful solutions to avoid a more widespread catastrophe in the Middle East conflict. Mexico also stresses the importance of respecting international law for the sake of international peace and security.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
