Israeli-American attack on Iran: Britain, Russia, Australia and several other countries have now responded to renewed tensions in the Middle East region, hours after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran’s military and naval forces. As British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired the Cobra meeting, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said the “peacemaker” had once again shown his face.
His remarks came after Washington and Tel Aviv launched “Operation Epic Fury” on Saturday (local time), plunging the Middle East region into a new military confrontation, days after US President Donald Trump warned of the need to destroy Tehran’s missile arsenal and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. After attacks launched by the US and Israel, Iranian forces retaliated against at least four US bases targeting the Middle East.
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As the situation in the Middle East region escalates, world leaders have responded by:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired the Cobra meeting hours after the US and Israel launched pre-emptive strikes on Iran. The Cobra meeting is an emergency committee where ministers and officials meet to coordinate the government’s response to the emerging situation, the BBC reported. The United Kingdom did not participate in the strikes. A government spokesman said they would protect British interests in the region, adding: “We do not want to see a further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” The spokesman went on to add that Iran should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the UK government’s immediate priority is to ensure its people are safe in the region, who would be given consular assistance.
In response to the escalation of the situation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow was “ready to help find peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and balance of interests.”
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Medvedev added that all the negotiations with Iran were just a cover and there was never any real effort to negotiate.
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The UAE Ministry of Defense said in a post on X that the country had come under attack with Iranian ballistic missiles, noting that the UAE’s air defense systems responded effectively and intercepted several missiles. Authorities in the region also dealt with the impact of rocket fragments that hit a residential area, resulting in some property damage and the death of a civilian of Asian nationality. The officials added that the security situation in the region remains stable and that relevant agencies are closely monitoring developments 24 hours a day.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also responded to the renewed military tension in the region and extended US support. Carney said Ottawa supports Washington in preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and prevents the regime from further threatening international peace and security.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Israel called the attack a pre-emptive strike, adding that it was not in line with international law.
Reacting to the strikes, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the country would not accept anyone who would involve his country in “adventures” that would threaten its security and unity.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the country has declared its support for the US as it seeks to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, The Guardian reported. In a statement, Albanese said: “Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their fight against oppression.”
Responding to renewed military tensions in the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the attack on Iran meant escalation and contributed to a more uncertain and hostile international order.
French President Emmanuel Macron said the current escalations in the Middle East region are dangerous for everyone, adding that they must stop.
