In a statement on Saturday, Saudi Arabia said the attack was a violation of Iran‘s sovereignty and a violation of international law.
Saudi Arabia asks all parties to de-escalate tensions and calls on the international community to intervene to prevent escalation and end the conflicts in the region.
Qatar and Egypt
Qatar and Egypt, both of which in the past year have cooperated with the United States in trying to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, also condemn the attack.
Qatar calls it a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and expresses great concern about the potentially dangerous consequences, while Egypt condemns all actions that threaten regional security and stability.
The United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait also condemn the Israeli attack, while Iraq calls the attack Israeli aggression and expresses solidarity with its neighbour.
Strong condemnation from Turkey
Turkey also condemns Israel’s attack on Iran and demands an end to what it calls Israel’s terror in the region.
– Putting an end to the terror that Israel creates in the region has become a historic mission for the establishment of international peace and security, says a statement from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
– We strongly condemn the Israeli attack. By carrying out genocide in Gaza, preparing the annexation of the West Bank and killing civilians every day in Lebanon, Israel has brought the region to the brink of a major war, it added.
The US hopes the attacks are over
The United States makes it clear that it supports Israel’s right to self-defense, but also expresses the hope that the mutual attacks between Israel and Iran can be rounded off after the attack on the night of Saturday.
If Iran chooses to respond to Israel’s attack, the United States is ready to defend any attack again, a senior American official told Reuters.
This should be the end of the direct military exchange of attacks between Iran and Israel, says the senior source in the Biden administration to both Reuters and AP.
Tell Iran not to respond
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, but is equally clear that it is necessary to avoid further escalation. He asks Iran not to respond to the attack.
Russia fears an explosive escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran after the attack, says Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and asks all parties to show restraint.
France also asks all parties to refrain from escalation and actions that worsen the extremely tense situation in the region.
On the night of Saturday, Israel’s long-awaited retaliatory attack against Iran came after the Iranian rocket attack on Israel three weeks ago. Military facilities and production facilities for rockets were the target.
Two Iranian soldiers have been reported killed, but Iran says the injuries were limited.
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Interview with Dr. Ahmed Khalil, Middle Eastern Affairs Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khalil. We’ve seen a surge of responses from various Middle Eastern countries following the recent escalations between Iran and Israel. In a recent statement, Saudi Arabia condemned the attack as a violation of Iran’s sovereignty and international law. What does this say about Saudi Arabia’s position on regional conflicts?
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for having me. Saudi Arabia’s condemnation highlights its ongoing interest in stabilizing the region and maintaining a delicate balance of power. Their call for de-escalation and intervention by the international community reflects a strategic stance aimed at preventing further conflict, particularly given their efforts to position themselves as a mediator in these disputes. This also indicates a desire to avoid a direct confrontation with Iran while maintaining a solid diplomatic front in the region.
Interviewer: Qatar and Egypt have joined in the condemnation. What implications does their position have, given their recent cooperation with the U.S. towards a ceasefire in Gaza?
Dr. Khalil: Absolutely. Qatar and Egypt’s stance is quite significant because it underlines their commitment to regional stability while navigating complex international relations. Their condemnation of Israel’s actions as a violation of sovereignty points to their broader dedication to upholding the norms of international law. Their previous cooperation with the U.S. indicates that they understand the importance of multilateral engagement in the region, especially in de-escalating tensions that could spiral out of control.
Interviewer: The UAE, Oman, and Kuwait have also voiced their disapproval, while Iraq has expressed solidarity with Iran. How does this collective condemnation affect the dynamics in the region?
Dr. Khalil: This collective stance from Arab nations indicates a growing unity among them against perceived Israeli aggression. It creates a stronger front that could potentially influence future negotiations and regional strategies. Iraq’s solidarity with Iran also emphasizes the sectarian and geopolitical lines that run deep in the region. The unity in condemnation may also signal to Israel that their actions could lead to increased isolation or backlash from neighboring countries.
Interviewer: Turkey’s response was particularly strong, calling for an end to what they described as Israeli terror in the region. How does Turkey’s position complicate the situation?
Dr. Khalil: Turkey’s strong rhetoric introduces another layer, as it has positioned itself as a prominent voice against Israeli actions. Turkey’s historical support for Palestine and its opposition to Israel aligns with its broader objectives in the region, including asserting its influence in Middle Eastern geopolitics. This complicates matters further, as it may provoke a more aggressive stance from Israel, leading to potential retaliatory actions, which could escalate tensions even further.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for your insights. The situation remains fluid, and it’s clear that the regional landscape is increasingly complex.
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for the opportunity. It is indeed a critical moment for Middle Eastern politics, and we must keep a close eye on how these developments unfold.
Tion reflect the shifting alliances and sentiments in the region?
Dr. Khalil: The collective condemnation from the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait, alongside Iraq’s solidarity with Iran, illustrates the complex web of alliances and sectarian divides in the Middle East. While the Gulf states have traditionally maintained a cautious approach towards Iran, their condemnation signifies a unified stance against what they perceive as aggression that could undermine regional stability. On the other hand, Iraq’s support for Iran highlights the ongoing sectarian tensions and the influence of Iranian-backed groups within its borders. This divergence underscores the precarious nature of alliances in the region, as nations balance their diplomatic relations with both global powers and local dynamics.
Interviewer: Turkey has taken a strong position, calling Israel’s actions terror and a mission to establish peace and security. What does Turkey’s response indicate about its regional ambitions?
Dr. Khalil: Turkey’s condemnation and its framing of the situation as a moral imperative align with President Erdogan’s broader strategy to position Turkey as a leader in the Muslim world and a champion of Palestinian rights. This rhetoric serves to bolster domestic support while attempting to expand its influence across the region. Turkey’s assertive foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and its actions in Gaza, shows its desire to be a key player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, especially as sectarian and ethnic divides continue to shape the dynamics in the area.
Interviewer: The United States appears to be walking a tightrope, supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while urging de-escalation. How does America’s position factor into this complex scenario?
Dr. Khalil: The U.S. position is nuanced, reflecting the delicate balance of interests it must maintain. While supporting Israel aligns with its longstanding strategic partnership, the U.S. also recognizes that escalation could lead to broader regional instability, which would counter its strategic aims. This duality showcases Washington’s challenge in navigating the intricate web of alliances, as it seeks to protect Israeli interests while also promoting regional stability and securing relationships with Arab partners. The call to Iran to refrain from responding is an attempt to avoid a cycle of violence that could spiral out of control.
Interviewer: As tensions rise, what potential scenarios should we be prepared for in the coming days?
Dr. Khalil: There are a few possibilities. First, we could see an immediate escalation if Iran chooses to retaliate against Israel. That would likely draw in various regional players, exacerbating existing tensions. Alternatively, global players like the U.S. and Russia could manage to broker a temporary ceasefire, prioritizing diplomatic solutions over military action. However, the risk of miscalculation remains high. in the longer term, we may witness shifts in alliances, as countries reassess their positions in light of these developments, which could either lead to new coalitions forming or further entrench existing divisions. The situation remains fluid, and the next few days will be critical in determining the trajectory of these conflicts.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Khalil. It’s clear that the situation is evolving rapidly, and the stakes are high for all parties involved.
Dr. Khalil: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a pivotal moment for the region.
