The UN Security Council will convene an emergency meeting on Sunday in response to Iran's unprecedented attack, following Israel's request for urgent action. Israel has called for the council to slam Iran's attack on Israel and designate the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisation. Malta, currently holding the rotating presidency, stated that the Security Council aims to hold the meeting at 4:00 pm.
US President Joe Biden met with his national security team to oversee the situation following Iran's aerial attack on Israel. US forces have joined efforts to intercept explosive-laden drones launched by Tehran.
The attack has garnered swift and broad responses from global leaders and officials, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the imperative for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.
Who Said What?
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised Israel's preparedness to defend itself against threats and expressed gratitude for the support of the United States, Britain, France, and other nations. “In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong,” he stated.
Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden reiterated the United States' support to Israel's security amid challenges posed by Iran and its allies. He stated: "I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad."
India
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the hostilities between Israel and Iran threaten the peace and security in the region, hence it calls for an "immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence". India has urged both countries to "return to the path of diplomacy".
"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," India stated.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Secretary-General Guterres denounced the escalation sprouting up from Iran's attack on Israel, urging an immediate halt to hostilities. He expressed grave concern about the possibility of further escalation and appealed to all parties to exercise utmost restraint to prevent a wider military conflict in the Middle East.
He stated: "I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war."
Europe
Leaders across Europe have condemned Iran's attack on Israel, with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak describing Tehran's actions as reckless and destabilising. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne stated that the attack is unprecedented and warned of the risk of military escalation. European Council President Charles Michel and other European officials echoed these concerns, urging efforts to prevent further violence and preserve regional stability.
“Iran has once again shown its determination to sow chaos in its own region,” Sunak remarked.