Saudi Arabia has expressed “deep concern” following what it calls “the developments of the military escalation” in the Middle East region on Saturday night. Iran launched an attack against Israel using drones following a hit on its consulate in Damascus on 1 April, where seven officers including two senior commanders were killed.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on “all parties to exercise the utmost levels of restraint and spare the region and its people the dangers of war”.
The ministry also called on the United Nations Security council to maintain peace and international security. Israel had expected an attack and readied its air defences. Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon closed their airspace, but have since re-opened it. This was Iran’s first ever direct attack on Israeli territory and United States President Joe Biden has called on Israel not to retaliate.
However, he has pledged “ironclad” backing for Israel, saying the US military shot down Iranian missiles during the attack. Israel’s military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari says Iran launched dozens of ground-to-ground missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted outside Israeli borders. They included more than 10 cruise missiles and over 200 drones.
Details of the extent of the damage or injuries in Israel hasn’t been released. Meanwhile, reaction has been swift from around the world with France, Germany and Britain condemning the Iranian attack. UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, says he is very concerned about a devastating region-wide escalation. “I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East”, he said
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