Israel-Iran Conflict: Middle east took a dangerous turn on April 13 as Iran launched its first direct military attack on Israel in retaliation of an Israeli strike on its consular compound in Syria, resulting in the death of two high-ranking Iranian generals. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran had provided neighbouring countries and the United States, a key ally of Israel, with a 72-hour notice before the attack. However, a senior official in the administration of US President Joe Biden refuted this claim, stating that Washington did not receive any such notice.
Top Points:
1. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday condemned Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel. Speaking with media, PM Kishida stated: "The attack further aggravates the current situation in the Middle East. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn such an escalation," CNN reported.
2. Sources in the region told news agency Reuters that Gulf states are striving to stop a full-scale regional conflict following Iran's unprecedented retaliatory attacks on Israel. There are concerns that a further escalation could thrust them into the forefront of a major conflict and disturb efforts to reshape the region. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in particular, are seen as potentially adept at navigating between Iran, Israel, and the United States.
3. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Israel remains on high alert after the attack. Operational plans for offensive and defensive actions have been approved. “Even while under attack from Iran, we have not lost sight—not for one moment—of our critical mission in Gaza to rescue our hostages from the hands of Iran’s-proxy Hamas," he stated.
4. On Sunday, US officials strived to strike a nuanced balance with Israel following Iran's attack on the key US ally on Saturday. They staunchly reaffirmed their alliance with Israel while also making it clear that the US would not endorse any further military action.
5. US President Joe Biden asked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “think carefully and strategically" before taking any decision.
6. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, cautioning against any escalation of conflict in the Middle East. "It is vital to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East. Civilians are already bearing the brunt and paying the highest price. And we have a shared responsibility to actively engage all parties concerned to prevent further escalation," he stated.
7. Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that the attack has served as a lesson for Israel and vowed a "heavier and regretful response" to any future aggression against Iran's interests.
8. According to a statement from the Central Command, US forces intercepted over 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen during the attack on Israel. The operation involved destroying a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven drones on the ground in areas of Yemen controlled by Iranian-backed Houthi forces, CENTCOM reported.
9. On Sunday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in telephone conversations with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt, while Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held discussions with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Israel.
10. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, accused Iran of violating international law and presented evidence during a session. He displayed a video on a tablet, alleging it depicted Israel's interception of Iranian drones above Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound.