Israeli strikes on Iran prompt widespread condemnation in Middle East

CAIRO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Israel's overnight military strikes on targets in Iran drew widespread condemnation across the Middle East on Friday, with regional powers warning the operation risks exacerbating tensions in a region already riven by multiple conflicts.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud expressed the kingdom's "strong condemnation" of what he described as "blatant Israeli aggression" in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported. Faisal reaffirmed Riyadh's rejection of the use of force, stressing the need for dialogue to resolve disputes and warning the Israeli strikes would undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.

In a separate statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities and take immediate steps to halt the assault, which it said "violates Iran's sovereignty and breaches international law."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan strongly condemned Israel's overnight attacks on Iran, calling them a "clear provocation" and a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.

"The attacks of Israel on our neighbor Iran are a blatant provocation that flouts international norms," Erdogan said on social media platform X, warning that such actions threaten not just the region but global stability.

Türkiye's Foreign Ministry also issued a sharply worded condemnation, calling the Israeli airstrikes a "blatant violation of international law" and accusing Israel of pursuing a strategy of "regional destabilization."

The ministry said the attack's timing, amid negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, clearly demonstrates the Israeli government's "aversion to diplomacy and its willingness to jeopardize regional and global peace." Ankara urged Israel to cease "provocative and aggressive" actions and called on the international community to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.

Egypt also strongly condemned Israel's military strikes on Iran, calling them a blatant and highly dangerous escalation that threatens regional and international peace and security.

In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. It warned the escalation could severely jeopardize the stability and resources of the region, risking a slide into widespread chaos.

Iraq's government denounced the airstrikes as "a serious threat to international peace and security." Government spokesman Basim al-Awadi said the attack undermined ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) warned of the "grave consequences" of continued escalation and stressed the importance of restraint. In a statement published by the official WAM news agency, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for adherence to international law and respect for national sovereignty, urging the international community to work toward a ceasefire.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani warned on Friday that Israel's "reckless actions" are undermining international efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East and pose a serious threat to both regional and global security.

In a post on X, the prime minister said: "While countries around the world are working tirelessly to find diplomatic solutions that restore peace to the Middle East, Israel's reckless actions continue to destroy these chances and endanger our people, as well as global peace and security."

He added: "The international community must act to stop these dangerous violations before it's too late."

Other countries including Jordan, Oman, and Lebanon also condemned the Israeli attacks.

Yemen's Houthi group described the Israeli strikes as "aggression" and accused the United States of complicity. In a statement broadcast by the Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the group said the attack marked "another chapter in Western-led escalation" against Iran, and warned of broader consequences if the campaign continues.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that it had launched a "preemptive, precise, combined" assault on dozens of military targets across Iran, including facilities linked to Tehran's nuclear program.

State media in Iran reported that several senior military figures, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Hossein Salami, Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and Commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Division Amir Ali Hajizadeh were assassinated in the Israeli airstrikes. Reports also said six prominent nuclear scientists, including Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi and Fereydoun Abbasi, were killed.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned the attacks, warning in a statement that Israel would face "severe punishment" for what he called a "crime" against Iran. ■