IRANIAN ATTACK ON ISRAEL: Reactions from officials around the world

(Patria) - Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Saturday that it launched drones and missiles at
Israel, which could lead to a major escalation between regional enemies, writes Reuters, reporting some of the reactions to the attack from official statements and social media posts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack from Iran. Our defense systems are deployed; we are prepared for any scenario, both defensive and offensive. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong."

"We appreciate that the USA stands with Israel, as does the support from Britain, France, and many other countries. We have established a clear principle: whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat, and we will do so prudently and decisively."

Iran's Mission to the United Nations

"... Iran's military action was a response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be considered concluded."

"However, if the Israeli regime makes another mistake, Iran's response will be significantly harsher. This is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the USA must stay away!"

White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson

"President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel's security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran."

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson

"As Israel faces this wicked attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally. The world must know: Israel is not alone."

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

"I condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless attack by the Iranian regime on Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again shown its intention to sow chaos in its backyard."

"The UK will continue to stand up for the security of Israel and all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Together with our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation. Nobody wants to see more bloodshed."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

"Iran has launched drones and missiles at Israel. We strongly condemn the ongoing attack, which could plunge the entire region into chaos. Iran and its proxies must stop this immediately. We offer Israel our full solidarity at this moment.”

German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert

"German solidarity is with all Israelis being terrorized by Iran tonight with this unprecedented and ruthless attack: Jews as well as Arabs and Christians, Bedouins in the Negev as well as Druze in the Golan. May all be safe.”

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne

"France strongly condemns Iran's attack on Israel. By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilizing actions and is risking military escalation."

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell

"The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack on Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a serious threat to regional security."

President of the European Council Charles Michel

"We strongly condemn Iran's attack on Israel. Everything must be done to prevent further regional escalation. More bloodshed must be avoided. We will continue to closely monitor the situation with our partners."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

"We are following the events in the Middle East with the deepest concern. We are in constant contact with our embassies in the region, which will remain open to support Spaniards in the area."

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte

"A very worrying situation in the Middle East. Earlier today, the Netherlands and other countries sent a loud and clear message to Iran to refrain from attacking Israel. The Netherlands strongly condemns Iran's attacks on Israel. Further escalation must be prevented. ... We continue to closely monitor developments."

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen

"Denmark strongly condemns Iran's announced attack on Israel. I call on everyone to exercise restraint and de-escalate the situation. Iran's destabilizing role in the Middle East is unacceptable – as is this attack."

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide

"I condemn the ongoing illegal and dangerous Iranian attack against Israel. This will further worsen the already extremely unstable situation. We must prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East. I call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

"The Czech Republic strongly condemns the destabilizing behavior of Iran and its proxies who have decided to attack Israel. We reiterate Israel's right to self-defense. Iran's long-term aggressive behavior prevents the Middle East region from living in peace and security."

President of Paraguay Santiago Pena

"In these difficult times, we express our full support for the people of Israel and are concerned about the rise of violence in the region. We remain in contact with our embassies in the region to serve our compatriots."

Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren

"We express concern over the serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East and Iran's attacks on Israel. Chile condemns the use of force and defends international humanitarian law that protects civilian lives in armed conflicts."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico

"The Government of Mexico expresses its deep concern over Iran's attack on Israeli territory and the impact it could have on thousands of lives. Mexico condemns the use of force in international relations and calls on the parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful solutions to avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East. Mexico also emphasizes the importance of respecting international law for the sake of international peace and security."