Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of Israel attacks on Iran
Saudi Arabia led a chorus of Arab nations in condemning Israel's airstrikes on Iran early today (13 June), which reportedly targeted several locations tied to Tehran's nuclear infrastructure.
Among those killed in the Israeli strikes were Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), another high-ranking IRGC official, and two nuclear scientists, reports The Arab News.
The United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, and Qatar also released statements denouncing the Israeli military actions against Iran.
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In a statement on today, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom "strongly condemns and denounces the blatant Israeli aggression against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran," describing it as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. It urged the international community and the United Nations Security Council to intervene immediately to stop the assault.
The UAE's Foreign Ministry urged "maximum restraint and wise judgment" to avoid worsening the conflict. It highlighted the importance of diplomacy, adherence to international law, and respect for national sovereignty as the path toward resolving ongoing crises. The UAE also called on the Security Council to act swiftly to achieve a ceasefire and protect international peace and security.
Oman issued a strong condemnation of what it called Israel's "brutal military aggression" against Iranian territory, which targeted sovereign sites and caused casualties. Its Foreign Ministry labeled the strike a dangerous and reckless escalation, in violation of the UN Charter and international law, and warned that such behavior undermines regional stability.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufian Qudah also warned of the potential consequences, stating that such escalations threaten regional security and may further inflame tensions, according to state-run Petra News Agency.
Qatar, through its state news agency QNA, called the strike a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. It expressed deep concern over what it described as a dangerous escalation and part of a broader pattern of aggression that jeopardizes regional peace and derails diplomatic efforts. Qatar called on the international community to urgently act to stop Israel's military actions and reaffirmed its rejection of violence in all forms.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation against Iran would continue "for as many days as necessary" to neutralize what he called an existential threat to Israel.
Israel has meanwhile declared a state of emergency in anticipation of retaliatory drone and missile attacks.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed harsh retaliation, warning that Israel had set itself on a path toward a "bitter and painful fate" following the deadly strikes.
