World leaders are urging Israel not to retaliate after Iran launched an attack involving hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron and French President Emmanuel Macron both advised against responding with escalation. The attack marked the first direct military assault by Iran on Israel, with the majority of drones and missiles being intercepted by Israel’s defense system. The conflict between Israel and Iran has been escalating, with Iran backing militant groups in Gaza.
Russia expressed extreme concern over the situation in the Middle East, urging all countries to show restraint and resolve disagreements through political and diplomatic means. Austria’s foreign minister condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and called for restraint in avoiding further conflict in the region. Oil prices fell after Iran’s strike on Israel, as the U.S. administration made it clear they did not support a wider war with Iran. Risks of disruption to oil supplies from Iran and gulf producers remain, but Iran stated that the matter is concluded with the strikes.
In a blast along the border with Lebanon, four Israeli soldiers were wounded, raising tensions in the region. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on Israel to contribute to de-escalation in the Middle East, urging Iran to stop its aggression. Several African governments called for both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions further. The Gaza health ministry reported a significant number of casualties, with many still trapped under rubble in the wake of the conflict.
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Israel to avoid striking back at Iran, emphasizing the need to be smart as well as tough in response to the attack. French President Macron called Iran’s attack on Israel a disproportionate response and emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation. Germany’s foreign minister warned Iran against further escalating tensions in the region, suggesting that a diplomatic resolution should be sought. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on the attack, calling for maximum restraint to defuse the situation.
Israel’s military announced the lifting of restrictions and the reopening of schools following the Iranian attack. President Joe Biden spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II about the situation in the Middle East and pledged support for ongoing monitoring and cooperation. Israel’s President Isaac Herzog praised the alliance between the U.S. and Israel in response to the attack, while senior Biden administration officials confirmed that the attack was intended to cause significant damage and death. The Israeli military is activating reserve brigades for operations in Gaza, as preparations for a potential ground invasion continue. The G7 countries condemned Iran’s attack on Israel and called for a halt to further escalation in the region.
