 Israeli strikes hit a street in Tehran. (Photo: REUTERS) |
In a statement issued the same day, the Russian Foreign Ministry voiced deep concern over the dangerous escalation in the Middle East, saying Israel's military actions against Iran violate the UN Charter and international law. Moscow stressed that the crisis around the Iranian nuclear program can only be settled exclusively through peaceful, political and diplomatic means, not by military force. Russia called on the parties to exercise restraint in order to prevent further escalation of tensions and the region's slide into full-scale war.
Also on Thursday, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the situation in the Middle East is dangerous, calling on all sides to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Diplomacy remains the best way, and the EU is ready to support any diplomatic effort to reduce escalation, she said.
African Union chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expresses grave concern over reports of an Israeli airstrike on 100 targets in Iran. He called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning that the current developments pose a serious threat to international peace and security.
US President Donald Trump on Friday urged Iran to reach an agreement with the US, warning that the consequences of failing to do so could be even more severe. This marked one of the President’s first public comments following Israel’s strikes against Iran. He stressed that Israel has “the best and most lethal military equipment anywhere in the world” and further attacks “would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told.” Trump said it was not too late for Tehran to halt the Israeli bombing campaign by reaching a deal on its nuclear program.
Speaking at a regular news conference, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed Beijing's "deep worry" over the attacks. China opposes any violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, and opposes actions that escalate tensions and expand the conflict, he said." China is willing to play a constructive role in helping to de-escalate the situation, "said Lin.