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| Tehran and other cities in Iran were hit by air strikes on Saturday morning (Image: Getty Image) |
As part of what US President Donald Trump has referred to as "major combat operations," American and Israeli forces have carried out strikes on Iranian cities across the country. Following what Israel referred to as a "preemptive attack," Trump urged the Iranian people to revolt and the government forces to surrender. He later stated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had been killed, which Iranian state television confirmed. As part of operation "Truthful Promise 4," the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran said it would target US bases and assets in the Middle East as a response to the strikes. This comes after threats and talks about Iran's nuclear program for weeks. Here is how the international community is reacting.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, criticized the military escalation and expressed concern that it was jeopardizing international security and peace. He said in a statement, "The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security." "De-escalation and an immediate cessation of hostilities are my demands. If you don't, you run the risk of a larger regional conflict that will have serious effects on civilians and the stability of the region." US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that the strikes were "directed toward specific and strategic objectives: to dismantle missile capabilities that threaten allies, to degrade naval assets used to destabilize international waters, to disrupt the machinery that arms proxy militias and to ensure the Iranian regime, never ever can threaten the world with a nuclear weapon" during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Saturday afternoon in New York. "Israel together with the United States acted to stop an existential threat to Israel, to our allies, and to global stability," stated Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon. "We take it seriously when a regime chants "death to Israel," "death to America," or "death to Israel." We act on their belief. Our goals are crystal clear." The strikes were condemned by Russia, Iran's ally. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia issued the following warning: "The aggression that Iran was subjected to today has already resulted in an escalation in the region and could spill over far beyond its borders." "Irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security" in the Middle East, Moscow had earlier urged the international community to evaluate
Badr Albusaidi, Oman's foreign minister, said he was "dismayed" after mediating this week's nuclear talks between the US and Iran. "Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," he wrote on X, telling the US that the strikes don't serve their interests or that of global peace. "I urge the United States not to continue being drawn in. This is not your war."
"Wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate" were the words used by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to describe the joint US and Israeli strikes. In a post on X he said that Trump has turned "America First into Israel First - which always means America Last".
Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait as it denounced in the "strongest terms blatant Iranian aggression".
According to a statement released by the foreign ministry, "The Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake."
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| How US-Israel strikes on Iran unfolded in 90 seconds (Image:Internet) |
In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran to "seek a negotiated solution." The German Embassy in London released a statement on X stating that the countries had repeatedly urged the Iranian regime to halt its "appalling violence and repression against its own people" and end its nuclear and missile programs. The three leaders stated, "We did not participate in these strikes," and added that they are in contact with international partners, such as the United States, Israel, and others in the region. "We urge the Iranian leadership to look for a solution through negotiation." They stated, "The Iranian people must ultimately be allowed to choose their own future." British aircraft were "in the sky today" in the Middle East, according to Sir Keir, as part of "coordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests, and our allies." Macron had previously stated that the "outbreak" has "grave consequences for international peace and security" and that the continued escalation is "dangerous for all." He went on to say that "France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request." Germany claimed that Chancellor Merz consulted with relevant security ministers and that it was informed in advance of the attack. The most recent events were described as "perilous" by the top diplomat of the European Union (EU), Kaja Kallas. She said in a statement on X, "The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue." She also said that she has spoken with the foreign ministers of Israel and other regions. "International humanitarian law and the protection of civilians are priorities." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said it would be consulting allies and regional leaders to support efforts to ease tensions.
Brazil's government issued a statement in which it expressed "grave concern" and condemned the US and Israeli attacks. "Acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security," said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Volker Türk, the UN's head of human rights, urged all parties to exercise restraint and "to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table'." He said, "As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," before reminding those involved that, according to international law, protecting civilians is "paramount."
On his Truth Social website earlier on Saturday, Trump uploaded a lengthy video confirming US involvement: He stated, "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," and that Washington's objective is "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon." He also told the Iranian people to remain in shelter and not leave their homes.
"When we are finished, take over your government," he said. "You are free to take it. This may be your only opportunity in generations. In a similar manner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged all Iranians to "threw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran." Iran "must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity," he said as he thanked Trump. "The conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands will be created by our collective action."
SOurce: BBC
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