Israeli forces launched attacks on Iranian military bases, striking about 20 locations in Iram, Khuzestan and Tehran over several hours.
Iran’s military said Saturday’s attack targeted a military base but caused only “limited damage” and confirmed the deaths of two soldiers. The barrage marks an escalation in ongoing tensions between the two countries.
The Israeli military announced the operation was complete, and military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel was “obligated to respond” if Iran launched a retaliatory attack.
Iran’s General Air Defense Command said that “the offensive action was successfully intercepted and counterattacked by the country’s integrated air defense system.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran “has the right and obligation to protect itself from aggressive acts from outside” following the attack on its homeland.
Here’s how the world reacted:
US
“We call on Iran to cease its attacks on Israel in order to end this cycle without further escalation of hostilities,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savet told reporters.
“Their response was an exercise in self-defense, specifically avoiding populated areas and focusing solely on military targets, in contrast to Iran’s attacks on Israel, which targeted Israel’s most populous city.” added.
The United States stressed that it did not take part in the operation, saying, “Our objective is to accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East region.”
A senior White House official said the Biden administration believes the Israeli operation should “end” direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran. U.S. President Joe Biden received updates on the Israeli operation as it progresses, the official said.
Pentagon Spokesman Patrick Ryder told social media platform he posted.
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The Foreign Ministry said the attack was a “clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a clear violation of international law.”
The statement expressed “deep concern about the serious consequences that could arise from the escalation of this situation” and called on all parties to “exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, and ensure regional security and stability.” “Avoid anything that could destabilize the country.”
The ministry reiterated its call on the international community to step up efforts to calm the situation and “end the suffering of people in the region, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.”
egypt
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “condemns any acts that threaten regional security and stability.”
“Egypt emphasizes its position that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip should be quickly achieved within the framework of an agreement to release hostages, as it is the only way to reduce tensions,” the country said in a statement. “There is,” he said.
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“Israel, which has committed genocide in Gaza, prepared to annex the West Bank, and kills civilians every day in Lebanon, has brought our region to the brink of wider war with this latest attack,” the Foreign Ministry said. ” he said.
“It is now clear that ending Israeli terrorism in the region has become a historic mission to ensure international security and peace,” the country added in a statement, calling on the international community to “uphold the law.” Execute and stop (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government.
“We do not want any more war, violence or lawlessness in this region,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia
The Foreign Ministry condemned the military’s targeting of Iran as a “violation of sovereignty” and violation of international law, calling on all parties to “exercise utmost restraint and de-escalation.”
“Saudi Arabia affirms its firm position in rejecting the continued escalation in the region and the escalation of conflicts that threaten the security and stability of the countries and peoples of the region,” the ministry said in a statement.
Iraq
“The occupying Zionist entity continues its aggressive policies and continues to engage in regional attacks through blatant attacks carried out with impunity, including against Iranian targets,” government spokesperson Basim Allawadi said in a statement. “This is escalating the conflict,” he said, decrying “the silence of the international community” regarding Israel’s actions. .
A statement from the prime minister’s office said Iraq “reiterates its firm position calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and comprehensive regional and international efforts to support stability in the region.”
Jordan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreigners said the international community should “take responsibility for, de-escalate and stop Israeli aggression in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon as a first step to stopping Israel from violating international law.” We need to take immediate steps to do so.” We aim to comply with U.N. resolutions and protect regional security and stability from the dire consequences of continued Israeli attacks. ”
Kuwait
The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack by Israel, saying it reflected a “violation of national sovereignty” and “a policy of chaos pursued by the Israeli occupation forces by endangering regional security.”
Hamas
Palestinian groups said they condemned the “Zionist aggression” against Iran.
“We consider this a gross violation of Iran’s sovereignty and an escalation targeting regional security and the security of its people, and we believe that the occupying power must take full responsibility for the consequences of this U.S.-backed invasion. I consider myself indebted.”
England
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Iran should not respond to Israel’s spate of attacks and called for restraint from all sides.
“It is clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against Iranian aggression. The need to avoid further regional escalation and show restraint on all sides is equally clear. Iran should not respond.” he said at a press conference in Samoa, where he was attending a Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
France
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on “all parties to refrain from any escalation or action that could exacerbate the extremely tense situation in the region.”
Pakistan
The Foreign Ministry said the Israeli military’s attack “against Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” is “a grave violation of the United Nations Charter and international law.”
The ministry said in a statement that the attack “undermines the path to peace and stability in the region and is a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region,” adding: “The current cycle of escalation and escalation of conflicts in the region “Israel bears full responsibility for this,” he added. .
It also called on the UN Security Council to “do its part in maintaining international peace and security and take immediate steps to end Israel’s recklessness and criminal activity in the region.”
united arab emirates
Gulf states condemned the military targeting of Iran and expressed “deep concern at the continued escalation and its implications for regional security and stability.”
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that “it is important to exercise the highest level of restraint and wisdom to avoid escalation of risk and conflict.”
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The Foreign Ministry said the attack was a “clear violation” of Iran’s sovereignty and that the Israeli airstrikes were “an escalation that accelerates the cycle of violence and undermines efforts to de-escalate and de-escalate tensions.” added.
“We reiterate our call on the international community to take effective action to prevent aggression and end violations of the territory of neighboring countries,” it said.
Malaysia
The Foreign Ministry said the Israeli attack was a “clear violation of international law” that “seriously undermines regional security”.
“Malaysia calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to the cycle of violence,” he added.
The ministry statement added that Israel’s continued attacks on Middle Eastern countries are moving the region closer to the brink of a wider war.
