Global reaction to Iran’s attack on Israel reflected the deepening division among major powers on the Middle East crisis. During an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on April 14, 2024, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the region is “on the brink” as it confronts the “real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.” All 15 countries on the Security Council expressed growing concern that the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel since April 1 will trigger a region-wide war. Guterrez called for de-escalation and “maximum restraint.”
Fears about the future resonated around the world after Iran unleashed more than 300 drones and missiles on Israel on the night of April 13-14. Josep Borrell, the senior European Union diplomat, said, “We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it. We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear.”
Western nations were highly critical of Iran. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned “in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. Iran has “once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock charged that Tehran “has knowingly drawn the entire Middle East to the brink of an abyss.” The G-7—the major industrial powers that brings together Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States—also issued a joint statement after an emergency summit organized by President Joe Biden. They expressed “full solidarity and support to Israel.”
But Russia and China, which have strong military and economic ties to Tehran, blamed Israel for the initial provocation when it struck an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus on April 1, killing three Revolutionary Guards and other Iranian military personnel. At the U.N. Security Council, Chinese Deputy Ambassador Dai Bing blamed Israel for attacking an Iranian diplomatic facility in Damascus as “a grave violation of the U.N. Charter and international law” that breached the sovereignty of both Iran and Syria. “The attack is of an extremely vicious nature.”
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also said the Iranian attack “did not happen in a vacuum. Iran's steps were a response to the UN Security Council's shameful inaction on Israel's blatant attack on Damascus (not the first one, for that matter). Syria is being constantly bombarded by Israel.” The Israeli attack on a diplomatic mission “is a casus belli under international law,” he said. Nebenzia urged Israel to “abandon the practice of provocative forceful acts in the Middle East, which are fraught with extremely dangerous risks and consequences throughout the region, which is already destabilized because of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation.” Like other nations, however, Russia urged the “spiral of confrontation and bloodshed” to stop. “We expect the regional states to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means.”
On April 17, the United States organized a group of 48 countries to condemn the attack in a joint statement read at the United Nations. “We note that Iran’s escalatory attack is the latest in a pattern of dangerous and destabilizing actions by Iran and its militant partners that pose a grave threat to international peace and security.” The following are reactions from major powers and the United Nations.
G7 countries and the United Nations
G7 Leaders’ Statement on April 14
“We, the Leaders of the G7, unequivocally condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s direct and unprecedented attack against Israel. Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack.
“We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security.
“With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided. We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives.
“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and deliver increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on April 13
“I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide 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 afford another war.”
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on April 14
“The Middle East is on the brink.
“The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict.
“Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate.
“Now is the time for maximum restraint.
“This emergency session has been convened upon an urgent request by the Permanent Representative of Israel, who noted in his letter dated 13 April to the President of the Security Council, that Iran had launched – and I quote -- ‘a direct attack from within its territory of more than 200 UAVs, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles towards Israel in clear violation of the UN Charter and international law.’
“Yesterday, the Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran also addressed a letter to the President of the Security Council, stating that – and I quote -- ‘in the late hours of 13 April 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives.’
“He stated that the action was taken – and I quote -- ‘in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in response to the Israeli recurring military aggressions, particularly its armed attack on 1 April 2024 against Iranian diplomatic premises’ – unquote.
“According to the latest reports, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles from its territory toward Israel, with most intercepted.
“Several missiles reportedly struck within Israeli territory, one of which damaged an Israeli military facility in the south of the country.
“And overall, a few civilians were injured.
“When the nature of the attack became clear, I stated the following last night and I quote: ‘I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. And I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.’
“I remind all Member States that the Charter of the United Nations prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.
“Furthermore, the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected in all cases in accordance with international law, as I stated when condemning the 1 April attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
“It’s time to step back from the brink.
“It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.
“Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price.
“And we have a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation.
“As the Friendly Relations Declaration of 1970 states, acts of reprisal involving the use of force are barred under international law.
“We have a shared responsibility to secure an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
“We have a shared responsibility to stop violence in the occupied West Bank, de-escalate the situation along the Blue Line, and re-establish safe navigation in the Red Sea.
“We have a shared responsibility to work for peace.
“Regional – and indeed global -- peace and security are being undermined by the hour.
“Neither the region nor the world can afford more war.”
U.N. General Assembly President Dennis Francis on April 13
“I am deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel.
“The Iranians have explained their action in the context of article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.
“The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East.
“I strongly call upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region. This is a moment that calls for wise and prudent judgment, in which the risks and extended risks are very carefully considered.
“I expect that the Iranian authorities will honor their word that by their action today, the matter can be deemed concluded.
“A vicious cycle of attack and counter-attack will lead to nowhere, but inevitably, to more death, suffering and misery.
“Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to resolve any differences through peaceful means.”
Forty-eight countries led by the United States
The Permanent Representatives of the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom to the United Nations issued the following joint statement condemning the Islamic Republic of Iran’s attack on the State of Israel:
We unequivocally condemn the April 13 attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its militant partners on the State of Israel, which involved launching several hundred ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones against multiple targets, and note this large-scale attack could have caused significant damage and loss of life.
We further condemn the fact that the weapons launched at Israel violated the airspace of several regional states, putting at risk the lives of innocent people in those countries, and appeared to traverse airspace near holy sites in Jerusalem.
We welcome the efforts to avert a further immediate escalation of violence in the region, following the successful coordinated efforts to defend against Iran’s attack.
We condemn Iran’s unlawful seizure of a Portuguese flagged commercial ship near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13 and call on Iran to release the ship and its international crew immediately.
We note that Iran’s escalatory attack is the latest in a pattern of dangerous and destabilizing actions by Iran and its militant partners that pose a grave threat to international peace and security.
We call on all regional parties to take steps to avert further escalation of the situation and demand that all Council resolutions be fully implemented. We will strengthen our diplomatic cooperation to work toward resolving all tensions in the region.
China and Russia
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian on April 14
“China expresses deep concern over the current escalation and calls on relevant parties to exercise calm and restraint to prevent further escalations. The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. There should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region.”
Chinese Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dai Bing on April 14
“I thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. I look forward to hearing the statements by the permanent representatives of Iran, Israel, and Syria respectively on the evolving situation.
“Since the breakout of Gaza conflict, the international community has deplored the unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and made strong demands for an immediate ceasefire to end the hostilities. It has also expressed grave concerns about how a prolonged conflict would exacerbate the tensions in the region with serious compounding spillover effects.
“On April 1, Iran's diplomatic premises in Syria were attacked by airstrikes, resulting in loss of several Iranian personnel and severe destruction to the premises. This is a grave violation of the U.N. Charter and international law and a breach of the sovereignty of both Syria and Iran. The attack is of an extremely vicious nature.
“A moment ago, Secretary-General António Guterres briefed us on the escalation that happened on April 13, over which China expresses deep concern. We have also noted that Iran stated that its military action was in response to Israel’s aggression against its diplomatic premises and the matter can be deemed concluded.
“China calls on relevant parties to exercise maximum calm and restraint and resolve their differences and disputes in accordance with the purposes of the UN Charter and international law to prevent further escalations.”
Chinese Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dai Bing on April 14
“The ongoing situation is the latest spillover of the Gaza conflict. It serves as another reminder that the Palestinian question remains central to the Middle East issue and bears on the peace, stability and long-term security in the region. If the flames of the Gaza conflict are allowed to continue raging, then the adverse spillover is set to spread still further, making the region even more unstable. Countries and peoples in the Middle East have no desire for, nor can they afford a larger conflict or war. Therefore, There should be no more delays in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and the conflict must end now. Ultimately, there is no alternative to the full implementation of the two-State solution, the only way to end the vicious circle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict once and for all. China calls on the international community, especially countries with influence, to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region.”
Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on April 14
“We have listened carefully to the briefing by the United Nations Secretary-General. We also noted your immediate public reaction condemning Iran's actions that you gave yesterday, Mr. Secretary-General. It is a pity that, in contrast to today's meeting, you did not volunteer to brief the Council on April 2, when an urgent briefing was called at the Russian initiative to discuss the already mentioned Israeli strike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus. We would also like to see more activity on your part in bringing to the Council's attention information on other subjects that are no less turbulent for the entire Middle East region, such as Israel's attacks on its neighbors Syria and Lebanon, which have started to occur regularly. If such actions continue to be ignored, your calls for restraint by all sides, which we do share, may prove futile.”
“When we convened on April 2 to discuss the Israeli strike on the Iranian consular facility in Damascus, we warned that there needed to be a strong unified message from the Council that such actions are unacceptable. Not just against sovereign Iran or Syria, and not just in the Middle East but anywhere in the world. We called on our UNSC colleagues to condemn such reckless steps clearly and unequivocally so that they would not be repeated. We also warned that otherwise risks that this may recur and that the situation in the region may escalate would multiply. We even proposed a draft U.N. Security Council press statement consisting of depoliticized language, standard for such cases.”
“What was it that we heard from Western delegations? That everything was not 'so obvious' to them and that it was still necessary to weigh up whether such a signal from the Council would help to stabilize the situation in the region. The United States, Great Britain and France, in fact, refused to confirm that the basic principles of international law on the inviolability of diplomatic and consular facilities, enshrined in the relevant Vienna Conventions, are valid for and apply equally to all states. You see the result.”
“You are aware that an attack on a diplomatic mission is a casus belli under international law. And if Western missions were under attack, you would not hesitate to retaliate and then you would be proving your case in this chamber. Because for you everything that concerns Western missions and Western citizens is sacred and must be protected. But when it comes to other states, their citizens and their rights, including the right to self-defense, then 'it’s different,' that’s what you say. And you use your favorite arguments about 'a lack of information,' invoke legal casuistry, etc. The parade of hypocrisy and 'double standards' that is unfolding in the Security Council today is so gross that even being an onlooker feels embarrassing.”
“Russia has repeatedly warned that failure to resolve the numerous crises in the Middle East, primarily in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which are often fueled by irresponsible unilateral provocative actions, will trigger an increase of tension in the region. We have repeatedly said that no country in the Middle East and North Africa should become an arena for regional and international confrontation or for settling political scores.”
“What happened on the night of April 14 did not happen in a vacuum. Iran's steps were a response to the UN Security Council's shameful inaction on Israel's blatant attack on Damascus (not the first one, for that matter). Syria is being constantly bombarded by Israel.”
“Many of you did not have the courage to point out directly that the current outbreak of escalation in the Middle East is unfolding against the backdrop of West Jerusalem’s operation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which has been going on for more than six months on an unprecedented scale, despite the unequivocal demand of UN Security Council resolution 2728 for an immediate ceasefire. We consider such 'silencing' of the root causes of the current crisis unacceptable, all the more so against the background of the situation around Iran, which is being escalated by our American and other colleagues. And Israel's failure to fulfill the requirements of the UNSC resolution (which I mentioned) is an obvious disrespect for the Council – for all of you sitting in the chairs of member states – and a complete disregard for the decisions of the Security Council. No one should be able to get away with non-compliance with UNSC decisions. This is fraught with sanctions against the violators.”
“We all remember the dangerous escalation in January 2020, when the region was almost on the verge of conflict after the illicit killing of Qassem Suleimani and a number of Iraqi officials committed by the United States on the territory of Iraq. Washington failed to draw the right conclusions. And now its allies, too, commit irresponsible actions that undermine the stability, security and sovereignty of Iran's neighbors in the region.”
“The situation in the Middle East has become as heated as it may get and the conflict risks escalating to a region-wide confrontation, so we call on all parties who were involved in the incident to exercise restraint. We expect the regional states to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means. We believe it is important for the constructively-minded international players to contribute to this effort.”
“The spiral of confrontation and bloodshed must stop. It is an urgent task for the entire international community to make all necessary efforts towards a de-escalation. Otherwise, the region could be drawn into a vicious circle of reciprocal attacks and violence.”
“In that connection, we note Tehran's signal that Iran does not want to further escalate hostilities with Israel. We urge West Jerusalem to follow suit and abandon the practice of provocative forceful acts in the Middle East, which are fraught with extremely dangerous risks and consequences throughout the region, which is already destabilized because of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli confrontation.”
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on April 14
“In the early hours of April 14, a large number of missiles and drones were launched at the territory of Israel. According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, this attack was undertaken as part of the right to self-defense stipulated in Article 51 of the UN Charter in response to the attacks on Iranian targets in the region, including the strike on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus on April 1, which our country strongly denounced. Unfortunately, due to the position adopted by its Western members, the Security Council was unable to provide a proper response to the strike on the Iranian consular mission.
“We express our extreme concern at yet another dangerous escalation in the region. We have repeatedly warned that the numerous unresolved crises in the Middle East, primarily in the area of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which are often fueled by irresponsible provocative actions, will exacerbate tensions. We call on all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint. We expect the regional states to resolve the existing problems through political and diplomatic means. We believe it is important for the constructively-minded international players to contribute to this effort.
“We encourage the Russian citizens residing in Israel and neighboring countries, primarily Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, to follow media reports and practical recommendations posted on the Foreign Ministry’s newsfeed, the official websites of Russian foreign missions in the above countries, the Consular Department and the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Management Centre (department), including in the relevant section of the updated Assistant Abroad mobile application.”
Europe
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 13
“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.
“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 stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
British Foreign Minister Lord David Cameron on April 15
“I think they're perfectly justified to think they should respond because they have been attacked, but we are urging them as friends to think with head as well as heart, to be smart as well as tough. And to recognise that Iran suffered this defeat because the attack was a failure. The World can see what a malign influence they are. I think that the right thing to do is not to escalate…We already have 400 sanctions on Iran and we put in place a whole new sanctions regime at the end of last year, which is proving very effective. We have sanctioned the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in its entirety. And we will continue to look at what further steps we can do…I think Britain in many ways has been at the sharp end, the most keen, on sanctions and on pressure and on turning up the heat. Recognizing, as I said in the very first interview as Foreign Secretary, that Iran is the malign actor in the region. But it is best if we can do these things together.”
British Ministry of Defense Statement on April 13
“In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.
“We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refueling tankers to the region. These will bolster Operation Shader, which is the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.
“We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.”
British Ambassador to the United Nations Barbara Woodward on April 14
“The United Kingdom condemns unequivocally Iran’s reckless attack against Israel, which risked thousands of civilian casualties.
“The scale and nature of Iran’s heinous assault – the first direct attack from Iran on Israeli soil – poses grave risks to the security and stability of citizens across the Middle East.
“The United Kingdom has long been clear that Iran plays an unacceptable role in destabilizing the region, and that it also bears responsibility for the actions of the groups it has supported militarily, financially, and politically over many years. Through this attack, Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in the region.
“As we have demonstrated, the United Kingdom will continue to stand up for Israel’s security, and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We welcome the actions of our allies to deter the Iranian threat.
“No one wants to see further bloodshed. The United Kingdom is also continuing to work urgently alongside the international community to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. It is vital that all parties exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any action that may heighten tensions further in the region.
“We also call on Iran to release the MSC Aries and its crew unconditionally and without delay.
“Iran’s actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in Israel and Gaza. As set out in Security Council resolution 2728, the United Kingdom remains resolved to work with international partners to secure an immediate pause in the fighting in Gaza to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life.”
French President Emanuel Macron on April 15
“We will do all we can to avoid things flaring up, escalating… We are all worried about a possible escalation. The situation is very unstable today.”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on April 14
“This constitutes a severe escalation of the situation, and it is not acceptable, understandable or tolerable in any way.
“We strongly condemn the Iranian attack and warn against any further escalation. Iran must not continue on this path. At the same time, it is absolutely clear for us that we are in solidarity with Israel, which has every right to defend itself following the horrific attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas last October.
“The German Government will do everything possible to prevent further escalation, but we can only warn everyone, particularly Iran, not to continue like this.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on April 14
“The Iranian regime has knowingly drawn the entire Middle East to the brink of an abyss. Last night, it fired more than 300 missiles, drones and cruise missiles at Israel.
“We condemn Iran’s direct attack on Israel’s territory in the strongest terms. Israel has Germany’s full solidarity. I have just clearly reiterated this to my counterpart.
“The regime in Iran had announced its intention to exact revenge for an airstrike in Damascus. Last night, Tehran almost plunged an entire region into chaos. Thanks to Israel’s effective air defense system and strong partners, the attack, apart from a few shells, was averted.
“The worldwide condemnation and the crucial support of the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries in the region clearly show two things: Iran is alone with its aggressive conduct and its intention to destabilize an entire region. And Israel’s capacities have shown that it is strong. Israel can protect itself.
“We call upon Iran to refrain from further attacks, including those via proxies. A regional conflagration would have incalculable consequences. None of the millions of men, women and children in Israel, Iran and the whole region who were too frightened to sleep last night want the situation to escalate.
“I appeal to all stakeholders in the region to act level-headedly. The spiral of escalation must be broken. We need to work together to bring about an end to the violence.
“I just chaired the meeting of the Federal Government’s crisis unit. We are observing the situation in the region very precisely and remain in close consultation with our various partners.
“We are, of course, also discussing the question of what consequences could follow as a result of the Iranian attack.
“With regard to our own citizens, I want to emphasize that in view of the tense situation in the region, I appeal to all Germans to take our travel warnings for this region very seriously. Thank you very much.”
E.U. President Ursula von der Leyen on April 14
“Yesterday, Iran launched a massive attack against Israel, using drones and missiles. Such a direct Iranian attack against Israel is unprecedented.
“Today, we the Leaders of the G7 condemned this the strongest terms. We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel and reaffirm our unshakable commitment towards its security.
“Iran’s actions risk provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.
“We will continue to work to stabilize the situation.
“We call on Iran and its proxies to cease completely the attacks. All parties should exercise maximum restraint.
“We also discussed the need to end the crisis in Gaza as soon as possible. This includes an immediate ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas. It also includes the increased delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.
“Going forward we will reflect on additional sanctions against Iran in close cooperation with our partners. Specifically on its drone and missile programmes.”
E.U. High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell on April 15
“We're on the edge of the cliff and we have to move away from it. We have to step on the brakes and reverse gear.”
Middle East
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on April 14
“Our longstanding policy, whatever objects that go into our skies, violate our airspace that we believe that pose a danger to Jordan, we will do whatever it means to end that threat.
“We don’t want conflict with Iran. We don’t want conflict and the whole region.”
Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Koussay Aldahhak on April 14
“The United States’ blind and unlimited support mistakenly led the Israeli occupation authorities to believe that they were above the United Nations, above international law and above UN resolutions…for decades… with no response and no consequence… The actions by these countries are nothing new.”
Saudi Foreign Ministry Statement on April 14
“The Foreign Ministry expresses Saudi Arabia’s deep concern over the military escalation developments in the region and its serious repercussions and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to protect the region and its people from the dangers of war.
“The Ministry reaffirms the Kingdom’s stance, urging the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility in maintaining peace and security. This region is crucial for global peace and security, and the Council must act to prevent the crisis from expanding, which would have grave consequences if it expands.”
Turkish Foreign Ministry Statement on April 14
“Our warnings about the risk of spillover and escalation of Israel's ongoing war in Gaza have long been repeated to all our counterparts.
“The Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, which violated international law, further raised our concerns. Iran's retaliation to this attack and subsequent developments have once again demonstrated that events could quickly escalate into a regional war.
“Before the incident, we spoke with the Iranian and US authorities and urged restraint. The mutual expectations and messages of the parties were also relayed by Türkiye, and necessary initiatives were taken to ensure that the reactions were proportionate.
“Today, we are once again sending clear messages to the Iranian authorities and to the Western countries that have an influence on Israel, to urge all to put an end to the escalation.
“We will continue our efforts to prevent the triggering of a process that would permanently damage the stability of our region and lead to greater global conflicts.
“We have also been closely monitoring the developments related to the security threats to Türkiye in consultation with our relevant institutions, and President Erdoğan is being briefed regularly.”
Omani Foreign Ministry Statement on April 14
“The Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the military escalation in the region and the seriousness of its implications, stressing the importance of exercising restraint to spare the region and its peoples from the risks of war.
“The Ministry affirms Oman’s call for adherence to international law as well as the UN Security Council's responsibility to maintain international peace and security.
“It also reiterates the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and for the opening without obstacles of humanitarian and relief corridors to all parts of the Strip.”
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