The U.S. and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iranian military targets over the weekend, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the countries. The attacks have drawn widespread international condemnation and calls for de-escalation.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran over the weekend, prompting a strong international response. Global leaders have called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
- Joint U.S.-Israel strikes target Iranian military facilities
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemns the attacks and calls for immediate cessation of hostilities
- European Union, Russia, China, and other global leaders urge restraint and diplomatic solutions
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly killed in the strikes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned both the U.S.-Israeli strikes and Iran's retaliatory attacks during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that further escalation could lead to a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.
Guterres emphasized that all member states must respect their obligations under international law, including the U.N. Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. He also condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The European Union expressed concern over the developments in Iran. President Ursula von der Leyen called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and respect international law. She highlighted EU sanctions against Iran's regime and its Revolutionary Guards but also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing nuclear and ballistic programs through negotiated solutions.
Russia condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes, describing them as a 'perilous course' that could lead to humanitarian, economic, and potentially radiological disasters. Russia's foreign ministry called for an immediate return to political and diplomatic tracks. President Vladimir Putin described the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family as a 'cynical murder' violating international law.
China strongly condemned the killing of Khamenei, calling it a serious violation of Iran's sovereignty and security. China called for an immediate halt to military operations and urged all parties to resume dialogue and negotiation efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East.
The U.K., France, Germany, Canada, Spain, Ukraine, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, North Korea, Turkey, Cuba, India, and Australia also responded to the attacks. Many countries expressed support for diplomatic solutions and called for an end to hostilities. Some leaders condemned Iran's nuclear program and its regional destabilization efforts.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, insisted that the U.S. military action was lawful and necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon defended the airstrikes as necessary to stop an existential threat posed by Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of violating Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for immediate measures to halt the unlawful use of force and ensure accountability. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability and global security.
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