Below are some reactions to the attack from official statements and posts on social media:
Iranian Mission to the United Nations:
“…the Iranian military action was a response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic headquarters in Damascus. The matter can be considered over.”
“However, if the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran’s response will be much more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the United States must stay away.”
US President Joe Biden:
“I just met with my national security team to review developments on Iran’s attacks on Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security in the face of threats from Iran and its proxies is firm.”
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson
“As Israel faces this ferocious attack from Iran, America must show our full determination to stand with our important ally. The world must know that Israel is not alone.”
Saudi Arabia.. Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
“It calls on all parties to exercise the utmost levels of restraint and spare the region and its people from the dangers of war. The Ministry affirmed the Kingdom’s position calling for the need for the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility towards maintaining international peace and security, especially in this region that is extremely sensitive to global peace and security, and to prevent the escalation of the crisis that will “It has serious consequences if its area expands.”
Egypt.. Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
“Egypt expressed, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs… its deep concern regarding the announced launch of Iranian offensive marches against Israel, and the indicators of dangerous escalation between the two countries during the recent period, calling for it to exercise the utmost levels of restraint to spare the region and its peoples from further factors of unrest. Stability and tension.
“Egypt stressed that it is in constant contact with all concerned parties to try to contain the situation, stop the escalation, and spare the region the risk of sliding into a dangerous turn of instability and threat to the interests of its people.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
“I strongly condemn the dangerous escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran on Israel this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
“I am deeply concerned about the real danger of a devastating regional escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.
“I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can bear another war.”
Britain… British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak:
“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes threaten to inflame tensions and destabilize the region. Iran has once again demonstrated its intent to sow chaos on its doorstep.
“The UK will continue to defend Israel’s security and the security of all our partners in the region, including Jordan and Iraq. We are working urgently, alongside our allies, to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
Canada.. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Canada unequivocally condemns the Iranian air attacks on Israel. We stand with Israel. After supporting the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult.
“These attacks once again demonstrate the Iranian regime’s indifference to peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.”
Germany.. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
A spokesman for German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Sunday that Schulz condemned the Iranian attack on Israel “in the strongest possible terms.”
“With this irresponsible and unprovoked attack, Iran risks igniting the region,” spokesman Steffen Heibstreit added after Schulz arrived in the Chinese city of Chongqing.
“Germany stands closely with Israel… We will now closely discuss other reactions with our partners and allies in the G7,” Heibstreit continued.
Germany… German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock
“Iran has launched drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack that could plunge the entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop immediately.”
France.. French Foreign Minister Stephane Ségourney
“France condemns in the strongest terms the attack launched by Iran against Israel. By deciding to take such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and risks military escalation.”
European Union.. European Union foreign policy official Josep Borrell
“The European Union strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack on Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a serious threat to regional security.”
President of the European Council Charles Michel
“We strongly condemn the attack launched by Iran on Israel. Everything must be done to prevent further escalation in the region. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with our partners.”
Spain..Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“We are following events in the Middle East with great concern. We are in constant contact with our embassies in the region, which will remain open to support the Spaniards.”
Netherlands.. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte
“The situation is very worrying in the Middle East. Earlier today, the Netherlands and other countries sent a loud and clear message to Iran to refrain from attacking Israel. The Netherlands strongly condemns the Iranian attacks on Israel. Further escalation must be prevented… and we continue to monitor developments closely.”
Denmark.. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen
“Denmark strongly condemns the announced Iranian attack on Israel. I urge everyone to show restraint and calm the situation. Iran’s destabilizing role in the Middle East is unacceptable – and so is this attack.”
Norway.. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Bart supported him
“I condemn the ongoing illegal and dangerous Iranian attack against Israel. This will further deteriorate an already very volatile situation. We must prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East. I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint.”
Czech Republic.. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic
“The Czech Republic strongly condemns the destabilizing behavior of Iran and its proxies who decided to attack Israel. We reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense. Iran’s long-term aggressive behavior prevents the Middle East region from living in peace and security.”
Colombia… Colombian President Gustapo Petro
“It was to be expected; we are now at the forefront of World War III precisely as humanity must rebuild its economy towards the rapid goal of decarbonisation. US support, in effect, for genocide has set the world on fire. Everyone knows how wars start, and “No one knows how it will end. If the people of Israel were high enough, like their predecessors, they would have stopped the madness of their ruler. The United Nations must meet urgently and must immediately commit to peace.”
Argentina…Argentine President Javier Milley
“The Office of President Javier Miley expresses its solidarity and firm commitment to the State of Israel in the wake of the attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Argentine Republic recognizes the right of states and nations to defend themselves and strongly supports the State of Israel in defending its sovereignty, especially against regimes that encourage terrorism and seek to destroy Western civilization.
Paraguay… Paraguayan President Santiago Peña
“In difficult times like these, we express our full support for the people of Israel, and we are concerned about the increasing violence in the region. We will remain in contact with our embassies in the region to serve our citizens.”
Chile.. Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren
“We express our concern about the dangerous escalation of tension in the Middle East and the Iranian attacks on Israel. Chile condemns the use of force and defends international humanitarian law that protects the lives of civilians in armed conflicts.”
Mexico.. Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“The Government of Mexico expresses its deep concern about the Iranian attack on Israeli territory, and the impact that this could have on the lives of thousands of people. Mexico condemns the use of force in international relations, and calls on the parties to exercise restraint and seek solutions through peaceful means to avoid a more widespread conflict in the East.” “Mexico also stresses the importance of respecting international law for international peace and security.”
