Global reactions to Israel’s deadly revenge attacks on Iran

The United States, Britain and the European Union called for a “de-escalation” after Israel attacked on Saturday (October 26, 2024). Military targets across Iran in deadly retaliation attacks while Muslim countries and Russia blamed Israel for exacerbating the conflict.

Israeli jets attacked military bases, missile sites and other systems in several Iranian regions in retaliation for a missile bombardment earlier this month. Iran said two soldiers were killed in the attacks.

United States: “Self-defense exercise”

The United States urged Iran to stop attacking Israel and break the cycle of violence “without further escalation.”

Israel’s “response was an exercise in self-defense and specifically avoided populated areas and focused solely on military targets, contrary to Iran’s attack on Israel that targeted Israel’s most populated city,” the Council spokesman told reporters. of Homeland Security, Sean Savett, emphasizing that the United States did not participate in the operation.

“Our goal is to accelerate diplomacy and reduce tensions in the Middle East region,” he said.

Great Britain: ‘De-escalation’

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for a “de-escalation” and said Iran should not respond to Israel’s attacks.

“I think we need to make it very clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, but we are urging and have been urging all parties to show restraint, and that is why I am very clear today: Iran should not respond to this,” said Mr. Starmer.

EU: “Maximum moderation”

The European Union warned against “the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation”, which could lead to a full-scale regional war.

“While recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense, the EU calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid an uncontrollable escalation, which benefits no one,” the 27-nation bloc said in a statement.

Russia: “Catastrophic scenario”

Russia urged all parties to exercise restraint and warned of a “catastrophic scenario.”

“We urge all parties involved to act with restraint, stop the violence and prevent events from turning into a catastrophic scenario,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, warning of an “explosive escalation.”

Saudi Arabia: “Security threatens”

Saudi Arabia condemned Israel and warned against further expansion of the conflict in the Middle East.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and denunciation” of the Israeli attacks, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, repeating its “firm position of rejection of the escalation of the conflict in the region”, which “threatens the security and stability of countries and peoples. in the Middle East.

Qatar: ‘exercise of moderation’

Qatar said that “Israel’s attacks” on Iran are “a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and a clear violation of the principles of international law.”

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed in a statement its “deep concern about the serious repercussions that may arise from this escalation”, calling on “all parties involved to act with restraint and resolve differences through dialogue and peaceful means.” .

Bahrain: “deep concern”

Bahrain, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, condemned the “military operation” against Iran and expressed “deep concern about the continued escalation of tensions” in the region.

In a statement, Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged stakeholders to “exercise restraint and prioritize reducing tensions to prevent the spread of war and conflict.”

Syria: ‘Solidarity’ with Iran

Syria expressed its “solidarity” with its ally Iran.

The Foreign Ministry stated that it supports “Iran’s legitimate right to defend itself and protect its territory and the lives of its citizens.”

Iraq: “Israel expands the conflict”

Iraq accused Israel of expanding the conflict in the Middle East and denounced global inaction.

“The occupying Zionist entity continues its aggressive policies and expanding the conflict in the region through flagrant attacks that it carries out with impunity,” government spokesman Basim Alawadi said in a statement, citing “the silence of the international community.” on Israeli actions.

Jordan: ‘Dangerous escalation’

Jordan said the attacks were “a violation of international law and (Iran’s) sovereignty, and a dangerous escalation leading to further tension in the region.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah called on the international community to “assume its responsibilities and take immediate steps to impose a cessation of Israeli aggression against Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon as a first step to de-escalate.”

Türkiye: end Israeli “terror”

Türkiye condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for an end to what it said was Israel’s “terror” in the region.

“Ending the terror created by Israel in the region has become a historic task for the establishment of international peace and security,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

“By committing genocide in Gaza, preparing to annex the West Bank and killing civilians every day in Lebanon, Israel has brought our region to the brink of a major war,” he added.

Pakistan: “Undermining stability”

Pakistan condemned Israel’s attacks and said it bore “full responsibility” for the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

“These attacks undermine the path towards regional peace and stability and also constitute a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Hamas: “violation of sovereignty”

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, which is at war with Israel in Gaza and is backed by Iran, lashed out at Israel.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the Zionist aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and the attacks on military facilities in several provinces,” the movement said in a statement, calling the measure “a flagrant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation that threatens the security of the region.”

Germany: “Stop immediately”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned Iran against any “escalation” after Israel attacked Iranian military targets.

“My message to Iran is clear: massive escalation reactions must not continue. They must be stopped immediately. Only then can we open the possibility of a peaceful evolution in the Middle East,” Scholz posted on X.

Algeria and Tunisia: condemn the attack

The Algerian Foreign Ministry “strongly condemns and denounces” Israel’s military attacks against Iran, which it described as “atrocious aggression,” and called on the international community to prevent Israel from escalating the conflict in the region.

Neighboring Tunisia similarly issued a statement warning of the “serious consequences” of Israel’s attacks on Iran and calling “on the international community to urgently assume its responsibilities to end this reckless approach.”