World powers issued calls for restraint on Sunday, expressing concerns that Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone strikes on Israel could ignite a broader conflict in the Middle East.
The United Nations convened to discuss the situation and heard appeals for new sanctions against Tehran.
The attack, marking Iran’s first direct targeting of Israeli territory, was launched in retaliation for an air strike earlier this month, which destroyed Tehran’s consular building in Syria’s capital and was widely attributed to Israel.
These strikes have escalated tensions in the region, already strained by a six-month-long conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, prompting international alarm.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the Security Council, warning of the perilous state of affairs in the Middle East.
He stressed the urgent need to defuse and de-escalate tensions, emphasizing that neither the region nor the world can afford further conflict.
Israel’s UN envoy, Gilad Erdan, called for swift action from the Council, urging the imposition of all possible sanctions on Iran and condemning its actions as acts of terror.
G7 leaders expressed readiness to take additional measures in response to what they termed “destabilizing initiatives.”
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, defended Iran’s actions as exercising its inherent right to self-defense, claiming that the country had no choice but to act in response to perceived threats.
Despite stating that Iran does not seek escalation or war, he warned of retaliation against any aggression.
Throughout Saturday night, air raid sirens sounded across Israel as missile defense systems and warplanes intercepted drones and missiles.
The Israeli army reported intercepting the majority of the over 300 incoming projectiles, with 12 people injured but no fatalities.
Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari credited a coalition effort for thwarting the attack, marking the first time such cooperation had occurred against Iran and its proxies in the Middle East.
G7 leaders condemned Iran’s actions and urged restraint from all parties, with European Council President Charles Michel emphasizing the need for de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, echoed calls for caution and calm, emphasizing a desire to avoid further escalation or a wider war with Iran.
