'We support Israel’s right to defend itself': Rishi Sunak's UK to China, how the world reacted to Iran's drone strike

Reacting to the direct confrontation between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) joined the wagon of world powers who condemned the development. The Indian embassies are in touch with the citizens in the affected region, MEA said while asking all parties involved to exercise restraint.

"We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," the MEA said.

"We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region," it added.

READ HERE | Iran attacks Israel: Over 200 drones shot down by IDF

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said he will convene "fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran's brazen attack" on Monday. 

Iran attacks Israel

Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Iran had been threatening to attack Israel after an airstrike earlier this week widely blamed on Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals.

The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement early Sunday the “vast majority” of missiles launched from Iran were intercepted outside of Israel’s borders. Israel has made missile defence a priority, with a variety of air-defence systems available to shoot down incoming missile and drone fire.

Israel-Iran conflict, how the world reacted:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres:

“I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening,” Guterres wrote in a statement Saturday night.

“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of 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,” Guterres wrote. “I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war,” the UN chief's statement added.

United States of America:

"Earlier today, Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel. I condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms," Biden said after his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."My team will engage with their counterparts across the region. And we will stay in close touch with Israel's leaders. And while we have not seen attacks on our forces or facilities today, we will remain vigilant to all threats and will not hesitate to take all necessary action to protect our people," Biden said.

France:

French foreign minister Stephane Sejourne said in a statement Saturday that in “taking such an unprecedented action, Iran has crossed a new threshold with regard to its destabilizing activities and is risking a potential military escalation.”

China:

China is deeply concerned about escalation after Iran launched drones and missiles against Israel, a foreign ministry spokesperson said in remarks published on the ministry's website on Sunday."China calls on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions," the spokesperson said in response to a question about Iran's strikes. This round of tensions is a "spillover from the Gaza conflict," and quelling that conflict is "a top priority", the spokesperson said.

Deutschland:

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote early Sunday on X that Germany condemns “in the strongest possible terms the ongoing attack, which could plunge an entire region into chaos.

“Iran and its proxies must stop it immediately,” Baerbock wrote. "We offer Israel our full solidarity at this time.”

Canada: 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his nation “unequivocally condemns Iran’s airborne attacks against Israel.”

"We stand with Israel. After supporting Hamas’ brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilize the region and make lasting peace more difficult... We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.,” Trudeau's statement said . 

United Kingdom:

UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers have been sent to the Middle East to bolster Britain’s existing operation against the Islamic State Group in Iraq and Syria.

He said the jets “will intercept airborne attacks within range of our existing missions,” but did not confirm whether RAF jets had already shot down any Iranian drones.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also released an official statement accusing Tehran of "sowing chaos in its own backyard."

Argentina:

The spokesperson of Argentine President Javier Milei says the leader will cancel a trip to Denmark and return to Buenos Aires due to Iran’s attack on Israel.

A statement from presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni said Milei was flying home to form a “crisis committee in light of the latest events in Israel, to take charge of the situation and coordinate actions with the presidents of the Western world.”