 |
| Putin |
“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.
Russia an Iran, the target of stiff Western sanctions, can “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” Putin said.
|
| Putin |
“I hope that your tenure as president will contribute to a reinforcement of constructive bilateral cooperation between our friendly peoples,” Putin said in a message to Pezeshkian.
Russia an Iran, the target of stiff Western sanctions, can “coordinate efforts to resolve international issues in a constructive manner,” Putin said.
US Secretary of State Blinken:
"The US will do everything possible to stop North Korea and Iran from supplying arms to Russia." pic.twitter.com/NBT8QpyR85— S p r i n t e r F a m i l y (@SprinterFamily) June 19, 2024
US Secretary of State Blinken:
"The US will do everything possible to stop North Korea and Iran from supplying arms to Russia." pic.twitter.com/NBT8QpyR85— S p r i n t e r F a m i l y (@SprinterFamily) June 19, 2024
According to the interior ministry, the all male list consists of senior government figures such as hardliner Saeed Jalili who is Ali Khamenei's representative in the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker and Masoud Pezeshkian, a 'reformist' parliamentarian. Also in the approved list is Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior,
The Guardian Council also gave endorsement to Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a current Vice President, and another hardliner, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani.
According to a report by Iran International, several high-profile figures were disqualified from running, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri.
The pattern of selection is similar to the 2021 election, when Ahmadinejad and Larijani were rejected and only a second-echelon 'moderate' candidate was allowed to run. The result was a low-turnout election when Ebrahim Raisi passed the line in the first round.
Some analysts in Iran have told the local media that the race now will most likely be between Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator and an opponent of an agreement with the West, and Ghalibaf who is considered a more flexible politician.
In any case, the issue of relations with the West and the fate of Iran's nuclear program are under the purview of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, Jalili, 58, is making his third presidential bid, having been a significant figure in Iran's nuclear negotiation team and holding various senior positions within the ministry of foreign affairs. Jalili, who holds a Ph.D. in political science from Imam Sadiq University, is noted for his uncompromising conservative stance.
Former IRGC general Ghalibaf, 63, who is the current Parliament Speaker, is known for his military and political experience.
The only reform leaning candidate, Pezeshkian, 69, has served as health minister and chancellor of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. He is also a trained cardiac surgeon, holding a medical degree from Tabriz University.
Pourmohammadi, 64, infamous for his role in the "Death Commission" during the 1980s, has been a polarizing figure due to his past actions as deputy intelligence minister.
Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, currently serving as Vice President, head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, and an ENT surgeon, has maintained a conservative stance throughout his political career, representing the Mashhad and Kalat electoral district in Parliament for several terms. He holds a medical degree from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Mayor of Tehran, Zakani, 58, noted for his confrontational style and conservative views. holds a Ph.D. in nuclear medicine from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. He has been an outspoken critic of the nuclear deal and a key figure in the conservative camp supporting the crackdowns on women defying compulsory hijab.
The snap election follows the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on May 19 along with his entourage.
The candidates' approval by the Guardian Council, a body of clerics known for its allegiance to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the clerical rulers' continued grip on power.
The upcoming elections are expected to see record low participation as the population rejects the sham polls rigged by the country's theocratic dictator.
The disqualification of heavyweights such as outspoken Ahmadinejad and Larijani came with mixed reactions from among the public.
Ahmadinejad was highly unlikely to get through, but many thought that Larijani, as a quiet insider, will make it to final stage considering Khamenei's comment after his "unfair disqualification" in 2021.
On the other hand, the 'reformists' must be somewhat disappointed as only one of their official candidates has his credentials approved, Iranian analyst and Iran International contributor Behruz Turani said.
The only reform-minded candidate, Pezeshkian's chances to win the presidency is uncertain because of his ethnic voter base, something that Khamenei is known to detest.
The final battle will be among "revolutionary" Jalili, insider Ghalibaf, and ambitious Zakani, observers say.
Khamenei sees no difference among them although he definitely does not like Jalili's link to the over-ambitious and ultra-hardliner Paydari party, according to sources.
In view of the security situation in the post 2022 protests, Khamenei's ideal candidates are more likely Ghalibaf and Zakani, both experienced IRGC and Basij operatives with a proven track record of suppressing dissent.
According to the interior ministry, the all male list consists of senior government figures such as hardliner Saeed Jalili who is Ali Khamenei's representative in the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current Parliament Speaker and Masoud Pezeshkian, a 'reformist' parliamentarian. Also in the approved list is Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former minister of justice and interior,
The Guardian Council also gave endorsement to Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, a current Vice President, and another hardliner, Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani.
According to a report by Iran International, several high-profile figures were disqualified from running, including ex-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former parliament speaker Ali Larijani, and former Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri.
The pattern of selection is similar to the 2021 election, when Ahmadinejad and Larijani were rejected and only a second-echelon 'moderate' candidate was allowed to run. The result was a low-turnout election when Ebrahim Raisi passed the line in the first round.
Some analysts in Iran have told the local media that the race now will most likely be between Jalili, a former nuclear negotiator and an opponent of an agreement with the West, and Ghalibaf who is considered a more flexible politician.
In any case, the issue of relations with the West and the fate of Iran's nuclear program are under the purview of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, Jalili, 58, is making his third presidential bid, having been a significant figure in Iran's nuclear negotiation team and holding various senior positions within the ministry of foreign affairs. Jalili, who holds a Ph.D. in political science from Imam Sadiq University, is noted for his uncompromising conservative stance.
Former IRGC general Ghalibaf, 63, who is the current Parliament Speaker, is known for his military and political experience.
The only reform leaning candidate, Pezeshkian, 69, has served as health minister and chancellor of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. He is also a trained cardiac surgeon, holding a medical degree from Tabriz University.
Pourmohammadi, 64, infamous for his role in the "Death Commission" during the 1980s, has been a polarizing figure due to his past actions as deputy intelligence minister.
Ghazizadeh Hashemi, 53, currently serving as Vice President, head of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, and an ENT surgeon, has maintained a conservative stance throughout his political career, representing the Mashhad and Kalat electoral district in Parliament for several terms. He holds a medical degree from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Mayor of Tehran, Zakani, 58, noted for his confrontational style and conservative views. holds a Ph.D. in nuclear medicine from Tehran University of Medical Sciences. He has been an outspoken critic of the nuclear deal and a key figure in the conservative camp supporting the crackdowns on women defying compulsory hijab.
The snap election follows the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi who died in a helicopter crash on May 19 along with his entourage.
The candidates' approval by the Guardian Council, a body of clerics known for its allegiance to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the clerical rulers' continued grip on power.
The upcoming elections are expected to see record low participation as the population rejects the sham polls rigged by the country's theocratic dictator.
The disqualification of heavyweights such as outspoken Ahmadinejad and Larijani came with mixed reactions from among the public.
Ahmadinejad was highly unlikely to get through, but many thought that Larijani, as a quiet insider, will make it to final stage considering Khamenei's comment after his "unfair disqualification" in 2021.
On the other hand, the 'reformists' must be somewhat disappointed as only one of their official candidates has his credentials approved, Iranian analyst and Iran International contributor Behruz Turani said.
The only reform-minded candidate, Pezeshkian's chances to win the presidency is uncertain because of his ethnic voter base, something that Khamenei is known to detest.
The final battle will be among "revolutionary" Jalili, insider Ghalibaf, and ambitious Zakani, observers say.
Khamenei sees no difference among them although he definitely does not like Jalili's link to the over-ambitious and ultra-hardliner Paydari party, according to sources.
In view of the security situation in the post 2022 protests, Khamenei's ideal candidates are more likely Ghalibaf and Zakani, both experienced IRGC and Basij operatives with a proven track record of suppressing dissent.
Massive crowds of Iranians thronged the streets of the capital, Tehran, for the funeral procession of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash.
More foreign dignitaries are flying into Tehran ahead of the commemoration ceremony.
One of the latest officials to head there is Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, who will attend the funeral on behalf of Kuwait’s emir.
While tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered in Tehran to mourn their late president, reactions among Iranian expatriates, many critical of him and the government, vary.
Many Iranian diaspora members, including those who fled after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, view Raisi as an ultraconservative figure responsible for enforcing repressive laws and a crackdown on protests and dissidents.
They also point to Raisi’s alleged role in mass executions of political prisoners at the end of Iran’s long war with Iraq in the 1980s, for which he received US sanctions.
Seeing Raisi’s death as a blow to the government they revile, some groups of Iranian dissidents have even publicly celebrated in European cities, according to Nazenin Ansari, editor of the Kayhan London website.
“Each member of this regime that goes is a victory for us,” said Guilda Torabi, spokesperson for the Homa association, an Iranian support group in France.
Iran’s Mehr news agency is reporting that Pakistan’s PM Sharif has arrived in Tehran.
Among other foreign dignities, Belarus’s Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik also arrived in Iran’s capital this afternoon.
Massive crowds of Iranians thronged the streets of the capital, Tehran, for the funeral procession of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage, who died in a helicopter crash.
More foreign dignitaries are flying into Tehran ahead of the commemoration ceremony.
One of the latest officials to head there is Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali al-Yahya, who will attend the funeral on behalf of Kuwait’s emir.
While tens of thousands of Iranians have gathered in Tehran to mourn their late president, reactions among Iranian expatriates, many critical of him and the government, vary.
Many Iranian diaspora members, including those who fled after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, view Raisi as an ultraconservative figure responsible for enforcing repressive laws and a crackdown on protests and dissidents.
They also point to Raisi’s alleged role in mass executions of political prisoners at the end of Iran’s long war with Iraq in the 1980s, for which he received US sanctions.
Seeing Raisi’s death as a blow to the government they revile, some groups of Iranian dissidents have even publicly celebrated in European cities, according to Nazenin Ansari, editor of the Kayhan London website.
“Each member of this regime that goes is a victory for us,” said Guilda Torabi, spokesperson for the Homa association, an Iranian support group in France.
Iran’s Mehr news agency is reporting that Pakistan’s PM Sharif has arrived in Tehran.
Among other foreign dignities, Belarus’s Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik also arrived in Iran’s capital this afternoon.
.jpeg)
#Gaza: "I call on Israel, as the occupying Power, to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied West Bank against attacks, violence and intimidation" - UN chief @antonioguterres pic.twitter.com/MTwRnC71Po
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 18, 2024
On Iran , Israel confrontation:
It is high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 19, 2024
I condemn any act of retaliation & appeal to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region & beyond.
#Gaza: "I call on Israel, as the occupying Power, to protect the Palestinian population of the occupied West Bank against attacks, violence and intimidation" - UN chief @antonioguterres pic.twitter.com/MTwRnC71Po
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) April 18, 2024
On Iran , Israel confrontation:
It is high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 19, 2024
I condemn any act of retaliation & appeal to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region & beyond.
.jpeg) |
| Iranian President |
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said any “tiniest attack” by Israel would bring a “massive and harsh” response,
He affirmed strong response as concern over the threat of full-scale war in the Middle East persists.
Raisi’s warning came on Wednesday as he spoke at Iran’s annual army parade.
The world is braced for potential retaliation to Iran’s attack on Israel which took place over the weekend. Israel has pledged to respond, despite calls for it to hold back persisting on all sides, and the UK’s foreign minister suggested on Wednesday as he visited Israel that it has decided to “act”.
Israel's political and military leaders pledged to respond, despite persistence calls for Tel Aviv to hold back and restraint on all sides including the UK’s foreign Minister's suggestion on Wednesday as he visited Israel that it has decided to “act”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Raisi hailed Iran’s direct attack on Israel, dubbed “True Promise”, and reiterated recent threats of a “strong and fierce response”.
Since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, an attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas in October, set off the war in Gaza, Iranian allies in Lebanon and Yemen have been engaged in low-level hostilities with Israel.
However, a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria on April 1 prompted Iran’s first-ever direct attack against Israel.
“The people of the world saw that after the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, ‘True Promise’ collapsed the Zionist regime’s false hegemony,” Raisi asserted.
Calling that attack “limited” he claimed that if Iran had wanted to carry out a bigger attack, “nothing would remain from the Zionist regime”.
Iranian officials have declared that any retaliation by Israel would be met with a swift response.
“That is the time when the supporters of the Zionist regime will find out that their hidden power will not be able to do anything,” the president said, according to a statement published on his official website.
Decision to act’
Raisi also hit out at Israel’s allies. “Those countries that sought to normalise relations with this cruel and criminal regime, are ashamed before their nations today,” he said.
Fears that Israel’s war on Gaza risks an escalation into all-out war have peaked as Israel’s response to Iran’s attack is awaited.
Israel’s allies in the United States and Europe, Japan and Australia, have called for restraint, just as Russia and China have urged caution from Iran. However, Israeli officials have pledged that a response will come.
It's a right to show solidarity with Israel. It’s right to have made our views clear about what should happen next but it’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act,” the UK’s foreign minister, David Cameron, told reporters during his visit to Tel Aviv.
“We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible, and in a way that … is smart as well as tough,” he added.
As part of Tehran’s preparations for an Israeli response, Iran’s naval commander said on Wednesday that warships will be deployed in the Red Sea to escort Iranian commercial shipping.
“The Navy is carrying out a mission to escort Iranian commercial ships to the Red Sea and our Jamaran frigate is present in the Gulf of Aden in this view,” Naval Commander Shahram Irani said, according to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.
Tehran is ready to escort vessels of other countries, he added.
The Red Sea has seen significant disruption to Israel-bound shipping due to attacks from Yemen’s Houthi group.
The Iran-backed group has been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in what they say is a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians and against Israel’s continuing war on Gaza.
Source: Aljazeera news
|
| Iranian President |
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said any “tiniest attack” by Israel would bring a “massive and harsh” response,
He affirmed strong response as concern over the threat of full-scale war in the Middle East persists.
Raisi’s warning came on Wednesday as he spoke at Iran’s annual army parade.
The world is braced for potential retaliation to Iran’s attack on Israel which took place over the weekend. Israel has pledged to respond, despite calls for it to hold back persisting on all sides, and the UK’s foreign minister suggested on Wednesday as he visited Israel that it has decided to “act”.
Israel's political and military leaders pledged to respond, despite persistence calls for Tel Aviv to hold back and restraint on all sides including the UK’s foreign Minister's suggestion on Wednesday as he visited Israel that it has decided to “act”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Raisi hailed Iran’s direct attack on Israel, dubbed “True Promise”, and reiterated recent threats of a “strong and fierce response”.
Since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, an attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas in October, set off the war in Gaza, Iranian allies in Lebanon and Yemen have been engaged in low-level hostilities with Israel.
However, a suspected Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria on April 1 prompted Iran’s first-ever direct attack against Israel.
“The people of the world saw that after the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, ‘True Promise’ collapsed the Zionist regime’s false hegemony,” Raisi asserted.
Calling that attack “limited” he claimed that if Iran had wanted to carry out a bigger attack, “nothing would remain from the Zionist regime”.
Iranian officials have declared that any retaliation by Israel would be met with a swift response.
“That is the time when the supporters of the Zionist regime will find out that their hidden power will not be able to do anything,” the president said, according to a statement published on his official website.
Decision to act’
Raisi also hit out at Israel’s allies. “Those countries that sought to normalise relations with this cruel and criminal regime, are ashamed before their nations today,” he said.
Fears that Israel’s war on Gaza risks an escalation into all-out war have peaked as Israel’s response to Iran’s attack is awaited.
Israel’s allies in the United States and Europe, Japan and Australia, have called for restraint, just as Russia and China have urged caution from Iran. However, Israeli officials have pledged that a response will come.
It's a right to show solidarity with Israel. It’s right to have made our views clear about what should happen next but it’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act,” the UK’s foreign minister, David Cameron, told reporters during his visit to Tel Aviv.
“We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible, and in a way that … is smart as well as tough,” he added.
As part of Tehran’s preparations for an Israeli response, Iran’s naval commander said on Wednesday that warships will be deployed in the Red Sea to escort Iranian commercial shipping.
“The Navy is carrying out a mission to escort Iranian commercial ships to the Red Sea and our Jamaran frigate is present in the Gulf of Aden in this view,” Naval Commander Shahram Irani said, according to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.
Tehran is ready to escort vessels of other countries, he added.
The Red Sea has seen significant disruption to Israel-bound shipping due to attacks from Yemen’s Houthi group.
The Iran-backed group has been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November in what they say is a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians and against Israel’s continuing war on Gaza.
Source: Aljazeera news
⚡️BREAKING
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) April 16, 2024
The US contacted Iran, asking it to allow Israel a symbolic strike to save face, an Iranian official told the Cradle pic.twitter.com/VxLyOm5XlH
⚡️BREAKING
— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) April 16, 2024
The US contacted Iran, asking it to allow Israel a symbolic strike to save face, an Iranian official told the Cradle pic.twitter.com/VxLyOm5XlH
“I spoke to my fellow G7 leaders; we are united in our condemnation of this attack.”
He added that the coordination of any measures, including sanctions, among allies would ensure they have maximum impact on Iran and those sanctioned.
Earlier, Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, said it was also open to new sanctions against individuals taking hostile action against Israel.
The G7 is comprised of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
However, Iran has endures various economic sanctions and economic terrorism for the past 44 years.
Source: Aljazeera news
“I spoke to my fellow G7 leaders; we are united in our condemnation of this attack.”
He added that the coordination of any measures, including sanctions, among allies would ensure they have maximum impact on Iran and those sanctioned.
Earlier, Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, said it was also open to new sanctions against individuals taking hostile action against Israel.
The G7 is comprised of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
However, Iran has endures various economic sanctions and economic terrorism for the past 44 years.
Source: Aljazeera news
.jpeg)
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin
Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder says US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, three times over the weekend.
During their most recent call, they reviewed “the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel and their partners to defend Israel from these unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies,” he said.
Ryder also said “that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and US personnel”.
He later added that US aircraft were involved in intercepting more than 80 of Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fired at Israel.
“We’re going to continue to stay in close consultation with our Israeli partners, as we have done throughout the weekend,” Ryder said, adding, “We don’t seek wider regional conflict.”
Source: Aljazeera news
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin
Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder says US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, three times over the weekend.
During their most recent call, they reviewed “the successful combined operation by the United States, Israel and their partners to defend Israel from these unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies,” he said.
Ryder also said “that while the United States does not seek escalation, we will continue to take all necessary action to defend Israel and US personnel”.
He later added that US aircraft were involved in intercepting more than 80 of Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fired at Israel.
“We’re going to continue to stay in close consultation with our Israeli partners, as we have done throughout the weekend,” Ryder said, adding, “We don’t seek wider regional conflict.”
Source: Aljazeera news
.jpeg)
“We don’t seek escalation, but we’ll continue to support the defence of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region,” Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim.
“What this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack,” he added, calling Iran’s actions “unprecedented”.
Blinken also said he was involved in a series of talks over the past 36 hours, seeking to coordinate a diplomatic response that would prevent a regional crisis.
G7 nations have also reinstated their commitment to back and support Israel.
“We don’t seek escalation, but we’ll continue to support the defence of Israel and to protect our personnel in the region,” Blinken said at the start of a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Ali Tamim.
“What this weekend demonstrated is that Israel did not have to and does not have to defend itself alone when it is the victim of an aggression, the victim of an attack,” he added, calling Iran’s actions “unprecedented”.
Blinken also said he was involved in a series of talks over the past 36 hours, seeking to coordinate a diplomatic response that would prevent a regional crisis.
G7 nations have also reinstated their commitment to back and support Israel.
“This must be avoided,” the statement added.
“We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives.”
Today, we, the G7 Leaders, condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel in the strongest terms.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 14, 2024
We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel.
And reaffirm our commitment towards its security.
We'll continue to work to stabilize the situation. pic.twitter.com/yCD1PHH2JN
White House comment after the end of G7 meeting:
President Biden spoke by secure video with the leaders of the G7 today. The leaders condemned Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to Israel's security. pic.twitter.com/ZvdSJyNbFY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 14, 2024
“This must be avoided,” the statement added.
“We will continue to work to stabilise the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilising initiatives.”
Today, we, the G7 Leaders, condemned Iran's unprecedented attack against Israel in the strongest terms.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 14, 2024
We express our solidarity and support to the people of Israel.
And reaffirm our commitment towards its security.
We'll continue to work to stabilize the situation. pic.twitter.com/yCD1PHH2JN
White House comment after the end of G7 meeting:
President Biden spoke by secure video with the leaders of the G7 today. The leaders condemned Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to Israel's security. pic.twitter.com/ZvdSJyNbFY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 14, 2024
.jpeg)
Moscow, according to a post on Telegram by Russian news agency TASS said: “We are deeply concerned about another dangerous escalation in the Middle East and call on the parties to exercise restraint,”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said, “We expect that the problems in the Middle East will be solved by countries through political and diplomatic means."
In a related development, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement expressing the Gulf state’s “deep concern” about the regional developments and called on all parties to halt escalation, promote calm and exercise maximum restraint.
"We urged the international community to take immediate action to defuse tension and de-escalate the situation in the region"
Statement : Qatar Expresses Deep Concern about Regional Developments, Calls for De-Escalation, Restraint#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/64QS07pUoU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) April 14, 2024
Moscow, according to a post on Telegram by Russian news agency TASS said: “We are deeply concerned about another dangerous escalation in the Middle East and call on the parties to exercise restraint,”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said, “We expect that the problems in the Middle East will be solved by countries through political and diplomatic means."
In a related development, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a statement expressing the Gulf state’s “deep concern” about the regional developments and called on all parties to halt escalation, promote calm and exercise maximum restraint.
"We urged the international community to take immediate action to defuse tension and de-escalate the situation in the region"
Statement : Qatar Expresses Deep Concern about Regional Developments, Calls for De-Escalation, Restraint#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/64QS07pUoU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) April 14, 2024
.jpeg)
The Russian ship, Marshal Shaposhnikov, will continue performing the tasks assigned to its expedition plan, it said in a statement. It provided no details.
Earlier last week, authorities in Moscow had called for all countries in the Middle East to show restraint and prevent the region slipping into complete chaos after tensions were raised by Israel’s deadly air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
“Right now it is very important for everyone to maintain restraint in order not to lead to a complete destabilisation of the situation in the region, which does not exactly shine with stability and predictability,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
The Russian ship, Marshal Shaposhnikov, will continue performing the tasks assigned to its expedition plan, it said in a statement. It provided no details.
Earlier last week, authorities in Moscow had called for all countries in the Middle East to show restraint and prevent the region slipping into complete chaos after tensions were raised by Israel’s deadly air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
“Right now it is very important for everyone to maintain restraint in order not to lead to a complete destabilisation of the situation in the region, which does not exactly shine with stability and predictability,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
.jpeg)
There are also reports that Israel has been offering assurances to the US that any next steps it takes will be done in consultation, giving warning to the US prior to any military action being taken. We’re seeing leaders in Washington now looking forward to what this next step by Israel might be.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the US does not seek further conflict with Iran. Those words were echoed by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state. But he added the US is willing to defend Israel and its own personnel in the region.
There are also reports that Israel has been offering assurances to the US that any next steps it takes will be done in consultation, giving warning to the US prior to any military action being taken. We’re seeing leaders in Washington now looking forward to what this next step by Israel might be.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says the US does not seek further conflict with Iran. Those words were echoed by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state. But he added the US is willing to defend Israel and its own personnel in the region.
.jpeg)
According to Mohammad Bagheri who is the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, an Israeli response to the Iranian military operation would be “much bigger”, Tasnim reports.
The Iranian news agency quoted him as saying that the reason for last night’s attack was that Israel had crossed Iran’s red lines.
Bagheri added that Iran has conveyed a message to the US through the Swiss embassy that if it participated “in further aggressive Zionist moves through its bases or military assets across the region, and this is proven to us, its bases and assets and personnel in the region will have no security”.
He added: “We will see it as aggressor as well and react accordingly.”
According to Mohammad Bagheri who is the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, an Israeli response to the Iranian military operation would be “much bigger”, Tasnim reports.
The Iranian news agency quoted him as saying that the reason for last night’s attack was that Israel had crossed Iran’s red lines.
Bagheri added that Iran has conveyed a message to the US through the Swiss embassy that if it participated “in further aggressive Zionist moves through its bases or military assets across the region, and this is proven to us, its bases and assets and personnel in the region will have no security”.
He added: “We will see it as aggressor as well and react accordingly.”
.jpeg)
I strongly condemn Iran‘s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 14, 2024
And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks.
All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region.
“I strongly condemn Iran’s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel. And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these
attacks,” von der Leyen wrote on X, calling “all actors” to restore stability in the region.
I strongly condemn Iran‘s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 14, 2024
And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks.
All actors must now refrain from further escalation and work to restore stability in the region.
“I strongly condemn Iran’s blatant and unjustifiable attack on Israel. And I call on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these
attacks,” von der Leyen wrote on X, calling “all actors” to restore stability in the region.
.jpeg)
The Israelis says that was a legitimate target. They point to the people they killed, which were top Iranian military officials, including two generals out of the seven fatalities.
It took Iran 13 days before it responded. Iran says that’s totally legitimate under the UN Charter. Article 51 of the UN Charter says nothing should impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a member state of the United Nations.
So we’ve had one complete cycle of this. We’ve had an attack and we’ve had a counter attack. I think the danger now is if it goes beyond this cycle, if Israel responds again.
By:
Al Jazeera's diplomatic editor
Israel continue it's attacks on Gaza
The Iranian attack on Israel has not deterred Israeli Forces from continuous pounding the Gaza Strip in the past few hours.
According to report, in an overnight strike, a number of residential buildings were destroyed in the Nuseirat refugee camp where there were casualties who were transported to the al-Awda and al-Aqsa Hospital for medical treatment.
Here in Rafah, we have been hearing the constant buzzing of Israeli surveillance drones since the early hours as they gather intelligence for potential targets. Confrontation and fighting are still raging in the northern part of Gaza.
According to eyewitnesses on the ground in the north of Nuseirat refugee camp, Israeli drones have been opening fire against people. They also said Israel is demolishing houses and destroying agricultural land which could be a sign, according to experts, that Israel is expanding the corridor that it has recently established splitting the north and the south of the Strip.
The Israelis says that was a legitimate target. They point to the people they killed, which were top Iranian military officials, including two generals out of the seven fatalities.
It took Iran 13 days before it responded. Iran says that’s totally legitimate under the UN Charter. Article 51 of the UN Charter says nothing should impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a member state of the United Nations.
So we’ve had one complete cycle of this. We’ve had an attack and we’ve had a counter attack. I think the danger now is if it goes beyond this cycle, if Israel responds again.
By:
Al Jazeera's diplomatic editor
Israel continue it's attacks on Gaza
The Iranian attack on Israel has not deterred Israeli Forces from continuous pounding the Gaza Strip in the past few hours.
According to report, in an overnight strike, a number of residential buildings were destroyed in the Nuseirat refugee camp where there were casualties who were transported to the al-Awda and al-Aqsa Hospital for medical treatment.
Here in Rafah, we have been hearing the constant buzzing of Israeli surveillance drones since the early hours as they gather intelligence for potential targets. Confrontation and fighting are still raging in the northern part of Gaza.
According to eyewitnesses on the ground in the north of Nuseirat refugee camp, Israeli drones have been opening fire against people. They also said Israel is demolishing houses and destroying agricultural land which could be a sign, according to experts, that Israel is expanding the corridor that it has recently established splitting the north and the south of the Strip.
Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations regarding attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting Israel condemned in a strong term the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran.
I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
.jpeg)
I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war
I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 14, 2024
I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
Neither the region nor the world can afford another war. https://t.co/Kmbt3zWMw7
Statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations regarding attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting Israel condemned in a strong term the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran.
I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran this evening. I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
I have repeatedly stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford another war
I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 14, 2024
I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities.
Neither the region nor the world can afford another war. https://t.co/Kmbt3zWMw7
.jpeg)