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Russia ‘strongly condemns’ Israel’s attack on Iran
Russia has strongly condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, warning that the operation risks triggering a dangerous escalation across the Middle East. In a statement on Friday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the attack violated both the UN Charter and international law.
The strikes, carried out early Friday by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), reportedly targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites. Iranian media outlets said the attack killed several senior officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami and Deputy Chief of the Army General Staff Gholam Ali Rashid. At least six nuclear scientists were also reported among the dead.
“We strongly condemn the violent action of the State of Israel,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, sleeping peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure facilities are categorically unacceptable.”
The ministry noted that the timing of the attacks – amid a session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and ahead of another round of nuclear talks – “adds particular cynicism” to the situation.
“The hard-won multilateral efforts to reduce confrontation and find solutions that eliminate any suspicions and prejudices regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy have been undermined and set back,” it added, accusing Israel of making “a conscious choice to further escalate tensions” with the strikes.
“There have been repeated warnings about the danger of military actions that threaten stability and security in the region. Responsibility for all the consequences of this provocation will fall on the Israeli leadership,” the ministry stated.
AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER:
"The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. "That regime should anticipate a severe punishment. By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces won’t let them go unpunished." "With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see."
LIN JIAN, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON:
"China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation.
"China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation."
SPOKESPERSON FOR U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES:
"The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear programme are underway.
"The Secretary-General asks both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford."
MARK RUTTE, NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL:
"This was a unilateral action by Israel. So I think it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work as we speak to de-escalate."
RAFAEL GROSSI, HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY:
"I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation. I reiterate that any military action that jeopardises the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond.
"I have indicated to the respective authorities my readiness to travel at the earliest to assess the situation and ensure safety, security and non-proliferation in Iran."
FRIEDRICH MERZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR
"We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilise the entire region."
JEAN-NOEL BARROT, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER:
"We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability.
"We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack."
MARCO RUBIO, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE:
"Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.
TURKEY
Said Israel's provocation shows it "does not want issues to be resolved through diplomatic means" and urged it to halt "aggressive actions that could lead to greater conflicts."
KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER:
"Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy."
PENNY WONG, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER:
"This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions.
Israel is currently striking Iran’s capital, Tehran.
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"We all understand the threat of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy."
TAKESHI IWAYA, JAPAN FOREIGN MINISTER:
"Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between the United States and Iran, to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, the use of military force is deeply regrettable.
"The government strongly condemns this action, which escalates the situation."
JAN LIPAVSKY, CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER:
"Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear programme. But at the same time, it has rhetoric that is aimed at destroying the state in Israel. We've seen that twice it has conducted a large-scale state ballistic and drone attack in the last year-and-a-half against Israel along with Hamas and Hezbollah, and it seeks to destroy the state of Israel.
"So I have a great deal of understanding for... military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region."
SAUDI ARABIA:
"Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms."
"Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."
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