World leaders condemn Iran’s attack on Israel

The international community has strongly condemned Iran’s attack on Israel. World leaders fear an escalation of tensions in the Middle East.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated on X that she strongly condemns “Iran’s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel”. She called on “Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks” and said that “all actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region”. Josep Borrell, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, called the attack “an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security”.

Belgian minister of foreign affairs Hadja Lahbib condemned the attack and added that “this attack endangers the population and further distances us from peace”. Prime minister Alexander De Croo called Iran “a known state sponsor of terrorism”, urged all parties to show restraint and said that “an immediate ceasefire is long overdue”.

US President Joe Biden had earlier confirmed America’s “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”. China's foreign ministry stated that it is "deeply concerned" and calls on all concerned to keep calm and avoid increasing tensions. China also calls on the international community to make constructive efforts for peace and stability.

António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN, called “for an immediate cessation of these hostilities”. “Neither the region nor the world can afford another war,” he added. The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon. The G7 leaders, representing the world's seven major economic powers, will also discuss the situation via video conference. ​

Last night, Iran launched about 300 drones and missiles in an attack on Israel. With the help of the US army, nearly all drones and missiles were intercepted. A 7-year-old girl did however get seriously wounded by shrapnel. Iran’s attack, which it called ‘Operation Honest Promise’, didn’t come as a surprise. The tension in the region was building up in recent days, after the attack on the consulate of Iran in Damascus, Syria last week. Israel didn’t claim responsibility for that attack, but it is widely considered responsible.

_{European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gestures as she speaks during a press conference ​ © BELGA PHOTO KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP}