Western powers are cautioning against further escalation following Tehran’s weekend attack, which has heightened concerns of open warfare in the Middle East. Several countries have urged Israel to exercise restraint in responding to Iran’s missile and drone assault. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened his war cabinet for discussions on how to proceed.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, emphasized the need to de-escalate the situation, urging all parties to step back from the brink. Similar appeals for peace have been made by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, as well as by US and UN officials.
Russia, while refraining from publicly criticizing Iran, has expressed concern about the risks of further escalation and called for calm. Belgium and Germany have summoned Iranian ambassadors over the attack, in which Israel successfully intercepted most of the missiles and drones.
The retaliatory strike by Tehran has raised fears of a wider regional conflict between Israel and Iran, with potential ramifications for neighboring countries. US President Joe Biden has informed Netanyahu that the US will not support any Israeli military response to Iran.
Against the backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza and clashes in other areas, the international community is increasingly alarmed by the potential for a broader conflagration. Aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and essential supplies are scarce due to Israeli restrictions.