Iran Claims 72 hr Warning
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran had given neighbouring countries and the United States 72 hours’ notice before the attack. However, a senior official in the Biden administration denied receiving any such warning.US Denies Warning
Contrary to Iran’s claim, a senior US official stated that Washington did not receive any advance notice from Iran. The official mentioned that Iran only communicated with the US after the attack had already begun.
US officials also stated that the Washington would not provide military backing for any retaliatory action against Iran. “We would not be a part of any response they do,” the official said, as quoted by news agency AFP. “We would not envision ourselves participating in such an act.”
Israel’s Response Options
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) presented various military response options to the Israeli government. These options range from immediate strikes to refraining from immediate action, indicating a cautious approach.
President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that American forces had assisted Israel in intercepting the majority of the drones and missiles launched by Iran. He also stated his intention to convene with other G7 leaders to strategize a diplomatic reaction to Tehran’s actions, indicating a coordinated international response.
In a significant development, Israel’s military announced that Israel, along with the United States, Britain, France, and other allies, had formed a “coalition” for the first time to respond to Iran’s unprecedented attack.
“Together we thwarted Iran’s attack… This was the first time that such a coalition worked together against the threat of Iran and its proxies in the Middle East,” said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari in a televised statement.
International Condemnation
The United Nations strongly condemned Iran’s actions, with US Ambassador Robert A Wood warning of repercussions if Iran targets Israel or the US again. The UK’s representative, Barbara Woodward, also condemned the attack, emphasizing the risk it posed to regional stability.
Iran Defends Attack
Iran’s envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended the attack as an act of self-defence. He criticized the Security Council for failing to maintain peace and security, leading Iran to respond to the perceived threat.
Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended the attack as an exercise of the country’s right to self-defence. “The Security Council… failed in its duty to maintain international peace and security” after Israel’s apparent strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month, Iravani said.
Call for Restraint
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, warning against further escalation. He emphasized the need to defuse the situation and avoid further conflict in the region.
Future Uncertainty
With tensions still high, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned of a “heavier and regretful response” to any further aggression against Iran’s interests. US President Joe Biden advised Israel to use caution in its response to Iran’s attack, indicating that the US would not participate in offensive actions.
India calls for de-escalation
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic discussion with his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz, expressing India’s apprehensions regarding the developments stemming from the hostilities. “Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM @Israel_katz. Shared our concern about the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch,” Mr Jaishankar posted on ‘X’.
The situation in the Middle East remains precarious, with the risk of further escalation looming large. Diplomatic efforts are crucial to prevent the conflict from spiraling out of control and maintain stability in the region.
(With inputs from Agencies)
