World leaders condemn Iran’s attack on Israel, call for de-escalation

CHONGQING, China - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other world leaders on April 14 condemned the Iranian attack on Israel.

Mr Scholz, who has arrived in China on a visit, denounced the attack “in the strongest possible terms”, a spokesperson said.

Iran launched a swarm of explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel

late on April 13 in its first-ever direct attack on Israeli territory, risking a major escalation.

Iran had vowed retaliation for what it called

an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1

that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders.

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack.

“With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran is risking a regional conflagration,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said. “Germany stands closely by Israel’s side. We will now discuss further reactions closely with our G-7 partners and allies.”

Beijing called for calm following the incident, with an unnamed Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman saying: “China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations.”

Saudi Arabia also expressed its deep concern regarding the military escalations in the region and the seriousness of their repercussions, a statement from its Foreign Ministry said.

It called on all parties to exercise the “utmost levels” of restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of wars.

The European Union, its members, and several countries in South and Latin American condemned the attack.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell led the continent’s criticism of Iran’s actions, saying: “The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak accused Iran of being reckless.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,” he said.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said: “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 destabilising actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.”

The Mexican Foreign Ministry added: “The government of Mexico expresses deep concern over Iran’s attack against Israeli territory, and the impact that this could have on thousands of human lives.

“Mexico condemns the use of force in international relations, and calls on the parties to self-restrain and seek solutions peacefully to avoid a more general conflict in the Middle East. Mexico also emphasises the importance of respecting international law for the sake of international peace and security.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned Iran’s attack, saying he was “deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating regionwide escalation”.

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting later on April 14 following a request from Israel.

Israel has requested that the council condemn Iran’s attack on Israel and designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. REUTERS, AFP