Israel's war in Gaza has escalated for more than six months, raising fears of a spiral of violence across the region.
Iran launched air defenses and three drones over the central city of Isfahan after U.S. officials told a U.S. broadcaster that Israel had conducted a military operation against Iran, state media reported. was shot down.
Explosions were reported in the skies over Isfahan and Tabriz on Friday, but the Iranian government has downplayed the incident.
There has been no official comment from Israel yet. Several countries are calling for “detente.'' Below are some reactions.
oman
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Oman “condemns this morning's Israeli attack on Isfahan by the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The statement also said it “condemns and condemns Israel's repeated military attacks in the region.”
Gulf states have long been mediators between Iran and the West.
Egypt
The Foreign Ministry said Egypt is “deeply concerned” by the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Egypt also warned of the consequences of growing conflict and instability in the region.
Italy
Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for “absolute de-escalation”.
“I encourage everyone to be cautious to avoid escalation,” he told RAI News from the Italian island of Capri, where Italy is hosting the G7 foreign ministers' meeting.
England
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The situation is evolving. It is inappropriate to speculate until the facts are clearer and we are working with our allies to confirm the details.”
“Major escalation is not in anyone's interest. What we want to see is calm thinking pervading the entire region.”
european union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for restraint to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Middle East.
“We must do everything we can to [so] We call on all sides to de-escalate the region,” she told reporters during a visit to Finland.
“It is imperative to maintain stability in the region and for all parties to refrain from further action.”
Netherlands
Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot said the Netherlands was “closely monitoring the situation in Iran.”
“The recent developments in the Middle East are extremely worrying. Preventing further escalation is paramount,” Bruins Slott added to X.
we are closely monitoring the situation #Iran. The recent situation in the Middle East is extremely worrying. Preventing further escalation is paramount.
— Hanke Bruins Slot (@HankeBruinsSlot) April 19, 2024
China
The Foreign Ministry said China “takes note of relevant reports and opposes any actions that further escalate tensions.”
Japan
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said, “Japan is deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and strongly condemns any actions that lead to escalation of the situation.''
“Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from worsening further,” he said.
Canada
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We will discuss the situation with foreign ministers at the G7 meeting in Italy this morning,” Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly told X.
I was briefed by a Canadian international affairs officer about the explosion in Iran that night. We are monitoring the situation closely. We will discuss this situation with foreign ministers at the G7 meeting in Italy this morning.
— Melanie Joly (@melaniejoly) April 19, 2024
France
Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrault said France's “position is to call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and exercise restraint.”
Ben Sole, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights
“Israel's recent attack on Iran is a new violation of international law and the United Nations Charter's prohibition on the use of military force, and threatens the human right to life.”
