Israel conducts pre-dawn airstrikes on Iranian targets in latest round of open confrontation

REACTIONS TO ATTACKS

Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated after the outbreak of the latest Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Oct 7, 2023. Israel has since been engaged on multiple fronts, fighting Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq, all of which are believed to have close ties to Iran.

On April 14, their conflict became public for the first time when Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel. This marked the first direct Iranian attack on Israeli soil, prompted by a suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1, which killed at least seven officials, including two senior Iranian military commanders. In retaliation, Israel struck an air defense facility in central Iran's Isfahan on April 19.

Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation in the wake of Israel's strike on Saturday, saying the Israeli attack was a "flagrant violation" of international law and the United Nations Charter. It said Iran is entitled and duty-bound to defend itself against "aggressive" foreign actions.

Countries in the region including Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Kuwait, and Iraq have voiced their condemnation of the Israeli attacks.

In a statement from its Foreign Ministry, Saudi Arabia condemned "the military targeting" of Iran, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and international laws.

The statement also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's "unwavering position in its rejection of the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict that threatens the security and stability of the countries and people of the region."

A senior official from the Biden administration stated, "If Iran chooses to respond once again, we will be ready, and there will be consequences for Iran once again. However, we do not want to see that happen. This should be the end of this direct exchange of fire between Israel and Iran. Israel has made clear to the world that its response is now complete."