Global tensions surge as Iran launches historic drone attack on Israel
The world is anxiously watching the escalation of tensions in the Middle East after Iran's overnight attack on Israel. The first reactions from foreign capitals are emerging. China, which has recently strengthened cooperation with Iran, has also issued a brief statement.
"China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions," said a Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson. Reuters quotes his words.
The diplomat added, "China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role in ensuring the peace and stability of the region".
Beijing maintains close cooperation with Tehran. In March, China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint manoeuvres in the Gulf of Oman. Similar trilateral exercises had taken place in the past.
The world reacts to the attack by Iran. Voices of condemnation are coming in
"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," assured President of the USA Joe Biden.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote in a special statement "in the strongest terms" condemning the Iranian regime's attack on Israel. "Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on to sow chaos," stated the prime minister.
"Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one's interest," wrote the X platform British Foreign Secretary David Cameron.
"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," stated French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné. "France reaffirms its commitment to the security of Israel and assures its solidarity," he added.
"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," declared German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
"The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security," wrote Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen assessed that Iran's attack was "blatant and unjustified." "All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region," she emphasized.
Tensions rise in the Middle East. Iran attacked Israel
Iran fired over 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight, of which 99% were intercepted, which is "a significant strategic success" - the Israeli military declared on Sunday morning. The strike lasted five hours. "This is the largest drone attack in history," CNN reports.
President of the USA Joe Biden said that "Iran—and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq—launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel".
Earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu declared in a speech that Israel is ready for a direct attack by Iran and will respond in kind. "Whoever hurts us, we hurt him," he said.
The Tehran attack was a retaliation announced last week for Israel's bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week. Seven members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals responsible for foreign military operations, died in it.
