“Irresponsible”, “unprecedented”, “deeply disturbing” – politicians around the world have sharply criticized the Iranian drone attack on Israel. Chancellor Scholz warned of a regional conflagration and assured Israel of full solidarity.
Iran’s drone attack on Israel has sparked widespread criticism around the world. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack “with the utmost severity”. “With this irresponsible and unjustifiable attack, Iran risks a regional conflagration,” said government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit in Berlin. “In these difficult times, Germany stands closely with Israel,” he added. The federal government will now “discuss further reactions closely with our G7 partners and allies.”
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also sharply criticized the Iranian attack on Israel. “Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which can plunge an entire region into chaos,” wrote Baerbock on the online service X. “Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately,” demanded Baerbock. “Our full solidarity goes out to Israel in these hours,” the Foreign Minister added.
The SPD foreign politician Michael Roth said that the EU and Germany must now “finally take a tougher approach towards Iran”. “The mullahs’ regime is destabilizing and radicalizing the entire Near and Middle East,” Roth wrote on X.
EU foreign policy chief Borrell: “Unprecedented escalation”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell spoke of an “unprecedented escalation” in light of the attack. “The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack on Israel,” Borrell wrote on X. “This is an unprecedented escalation and a serious threat to regional security,” he added.
EU Council President Charles Michel Strongly also condemned the attack on Israel. “Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation,” he wrote on X. “More bloodshed must be avoided.” The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely with its allies.
Guterres: “I am deeply worried”
“I am deeply concerned about the very real risk of a devastating escalation across the region,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, commenting on the events in the Middle East. He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East, Guterres said in a statement.
The French government pledged its support to Israel. “With the decision to take this unprecedented action, Iran has passed a new level of destabilization,” explained Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné on X. Tehran was thereby “taking the risk of military escalation.” France reiterates its support for Israel’s security.
Sunak: ‘Nobody wants to see more bloodshed’
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke of a “ruthless” attack by Iran on Israel. The attack “risks exacerbating tensions and destabilizing the region.” Iran has once again proven that it wants to “sow chaos in its own backyard,” Sunak said in a statement. “The UK will remain committed to the security of Israel and all of our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.” Together with our allies we are working hard to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. “Nobody wants to see more bloodshed,” Sunak added.
Saudi Arabia expressed deep concern about the military escalations in the region and the serious consequences. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom calls on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and protect the region and its people from the threat of war.