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The US, UK and other western countries condemned Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel.
US President Joe Biden condemned the attack “in the strongest possible terms”.
In a statement released late on Saturday, he said that to support Israel's defence, the US military had “moved aircraft and ballistic missile defence destroyers to the region over the course of the past week” and that this deployment had allowed the US to help Israel “take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles”.
After the attack, Mr Biden held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he affirmed “America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel”.
“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.”
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the US must show its “full resolve” to stand with Israel – though he blamed the Biden administration's “undermining” of Israel and “appeasement” of Iran for contributing to the situation.
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack “in the strongest terms”.
“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,” he said. The UK was working with regional partners to stabilise the situation, he added.
“No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
British Defence Secretary Grant Shapps also condemned the attack, saying it “serves no benefit other than to further undermine regional security”.
In response to the escalation in the region, Mr Shapps said that he and the Prime Minister had “authorised the deployment of additional Royal Air Force assets”.
France also expressed anger over the attack. French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said: “By deciding on such an unprecedented action, Iran is taking a new step in its destabilising actions and taking the risk of a military escalation.”
Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the attack could plunge the region “into chaos”.
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Israel's air defence system intercepts projectiles amid an attack by Iran, as seen from Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Screengrab from AFPTV / AFP -
Missiles fired from Iran towards Israel are intercepted over the northern part of the country. AFP -
This video grab from AFPTV taken on April 14, 2024 shows explosions lighting up the sky in Hebron, Palestinian Territories, during an Iranian attack on Israel. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed early April 14, 2024 that a drone and missile attack was under way against Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 drone strike on its Damascus consulate. (Photo by AFPTV / AFP) -
Explosions occur over Hebron. Screengrab from AFPTV / AFP -
Explosions light up the skies over Jerusalem during the attack. Screengrab from AFPTV / AFP -
Explosions occur over Jerusalem. Screengrab from AFPTV / AFP -
Israel's Iron Dome air defence system moves to intercept missiles fired from Iran. AP -
Iranian demonstrators chant slogans during an anti-Israel gathering in Tehran. AP -
People in Tehran appear to celebrate in the street after the attack on Israel. Wana (West Asia News Agency) / Reuters -
Iranians appear to celebrate in the street after the attack. Wana (West Asia News Agency) / Reuters -
A man kisses a mock rocket during an anti-Israel rally in Tehran after Iran launched the attack. EPA -
People hold Iranian and Palestinian flags at Palestine Square in Tehran. EPA -
US President Joe Biden meets members of his national security team about the attack on Israel by Iran. The White House / AP
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called the attack an “unprecedented escalation” that is a "grave threat to regional security”.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “After supporting Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack, the Iranian regime’s latest actions will further destabilise the region and make lasting peace more difficult.”
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for “an immediate cessation of these hostilities”.
“I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation,” he said.
“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.”
