The day after a “vast” “drone and missile” attack carried out by the Tehran regime against Israel, the reactions of the international community increased on Sunday.
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After the unprecedented attack carried out by Iran against Israel on the night of Saturday to Sunday April 14, reactions multiplied throughout the world. According to the Israeli army, Iran sent “a swarm of 300 killer drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles”. Only a few ballistic missiles “came in and lightly touched” a military base, still active, said its spokesperson Daniel Hagari. The day was also marked by a videoconference meeting of the G7 and an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Franceinfo takes stock of the main information relating to tensions in the Middle East.
Several states helped Israel counter this air attack
The attack was “foiled” by Israel and its allies who intercepted “99% of shots”affirmed the Israeli army, which was pleased to have been able to count on “a defensive coalition of international allies”led by the United States along with Britain, France and other countries, to counter the Iranian attack.
The United States destroyed “Several dozens” drones and missiles, said White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on Sunday that “several” Iranian drones had been shot down by planes from his country.
If Israel assured that the French had helped it to “outwit” the Iranian attack, a French military source clarified to franceinfo that the French army was content to ensure “self-defense” from its bases in the Middle East. “We have bases in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.”recalled Stéphane Séjourné, guest of the 8 p.m. news on France 2.”The Iranian attack not only implicated Israel, but also undermined the security of our forces.”he explained, adding that France had “participated in interception actions.
The international community divided between condemnation and concern
Denouncing hostility while playing it safe is the attitude adopted by many countries on Sunday. On the one hand, a bloc of Western countries, including France and the United States, have firmly denounced the military operation of the Islamic regime and assured Israel of their support. Other nations preferred not to point the finger at Iran, in the name of peace efforts in the region.
NATO “condemns Iran’s escalation” And “calls for restraint”, adding in a press release that it is “essential that the conflict in the Middle East does not spiral out of control.” Also condemning the attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged “All parties to exercise maximum restraint in order to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on several fronts in the Middle East.”
France recommends that its nationals “temporarily leave Iran”
The Quai d’Orsay recommends that the French “leave temporarily” Iran, due to a “risk of military escalation”. “Due to the new level reached”the French embassy in Tehran also advises “to exercise the greatest caution when traveling” and “to avoid all gatherings”according to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. VFriday, Paris had already asked the French “to absolutely refrain from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian territories”.
Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Séjourné announced during the 8 p.m. news of France 2 that the Iranian ambassador to France was summoned to pass” a “message of firmness”.
G7 pledges to ‘provide more humanitarian aid’ to Palestinians in Gaza
G7 leaders (which brings together France, the United States, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany) met by videoconference on Sunday. At the end of this meeting, convened by the American president Joe Biden, they have “unanimously condemned Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel”has indicated on (ex-Twitter) the President of the European Council Charles Michel, emphasizing that “all parties must exercise restraint”.
In a joint press release issued by the Italian presidency, the G7 also commits to “provide more humanitarian aid” to the Palestinians in Gaza.
The fear of a conflagration
While the question of a response from Israel arises, the United States has affirmed its opposition to any “escalation” Or“extended war with Iran”insisted a White House spokesperson. “We must prevent, in this region, the conflicts already underway from getting worse”estimated Stéphane Séjourné, guest on the 8 p.m. news on France 2. “We are sending a message of restraint and de-escalation in the region”explains the minister.