The leaders of United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other leaders around the world have condemned the Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq unprecedented air attack launched on military facilities in Israel on Saturday.
It was reported that Iran on Saturday launched retaliatory attacks against Israel in a major new escalation in the Middle East, while this attack comes two weeks after Israel’s strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria.
Hundreds of drones along with cruise missiles as part of Iran’s attack launched against Israel and the Israeli Defense forces establishment estimates that the drones launched from Iran are expected to reach “Israel” early Sunday between 2:00 am and 4:00 am.
Dozens of surface-to-surface missile launched were identified approaching Israeli territory as the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the Arrow Aerial Defense System, together with Israel’s strategic allies, before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.
Isreali forces said that a small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure, adding that many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, identified approaching Israeli territory from Iran and intercepted over the past few hours.
In his statement, the United States President, Joe Biden has condemned the attack, saying as mean of supporting the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week.
According to him, “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles. I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.
“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks, sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel”, the President added.
Biden made it known in his statement that he will convene fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack. “My team will engage with their counterparts across the region.
“And we will stay in close touch with Israel’s leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people”, he said.
United Kingdom Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak in a statement also condemned in strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel, saying these strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.
Sunak said, “Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard. The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed”, he said.
In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, his Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.
“We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria.
“In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required. We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation”.
Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau in a statement while reacting to this attack also condemned Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel, standing with Israel. “After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 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.
“I am receiving regular updates from the National Security and Intelligence Advisor, the Chief of the Defence Staff, and the Clerk of the Privy Council as situation develops. We are in contact with allies, and we will continue to monitor closely”, the Canada’s Trudeau added.
Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz on X reacted, saying the attack on Israeli territory by Iran is unjustifiable and highly irresponsible. “Iran risks a further escalation in the region. Germany stands by Israel and we will discuss the situation with our allies”.
Also, the United Nations Secretary-general, Antonio Guterres issued a statement condemning serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening.
UN Chief called for an immediate cessation of these hostilities, saying he is alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation while urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.
UN General Assembly President, Dennis Francis in a statement said he is deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel.
He stated that the Iranians have explained their action in the context of article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, adding that the Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East.
While strongly called upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region. “This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgement, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered.
“I expect that the Iranian authorities will honour their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded. A vicious cycle of attack and counter-attack will lead to nowhere, but inevitably, to more death, suffering and misery. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve any differences through peaceful means.”
Meanwhile, following a situational assessment, it was determined that as of 23:00 (IST) tonight on Saturday, changes were made to the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines, the Israeli authorities decided to prohibit educational activities across the country and gatherings were limited to 1,000 people.