Gulf Countries Condemn Israel's Attack on Iran
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Oman strongly condemned on Friday Israel's strikes against Iran.
The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs 'stressed the importance of exercising the utmost self-restraint and judgment' and urged against the conflict's expansion, warning of its repercussions on regional security and stability.
It reiterated the UAE's position that boosting dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states are 'essential principles for resolving the current crises.'
It stressed the need to 'resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation,' calling on the United Nations Security Council to take 'urgent and necessary measures to achieve a ceasefire, and to reinforce international peace and security.'
Qatar, which has served as a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war, said the attack was 'a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law and its established principles.'
A Foreign Ministry statement expressed Qatar's 'grave concern over this dangerous escalation, which forms part of a recurring pattern of aggressive policies that threaten regional peace and stability, and hinder efforts aimed at de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.'
It underscored the urgent need 'for the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to act swiftly to halt these Israeli violations.'
It reiterated its firm position in rejecting all forms of violence, renewing its call for restraint and the avoidance of escalation that could widen the scope of conflict and undermine regional security and stability.
Oman, which is mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran, said it considers the attack 'a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the principles of international law. Such aggressive, persistent behavior is unacceptable and further destabilizes the regional peace and security.'
'The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action,' it added.
Israel launched a wave of strikes across Iran on Friday that targeted its nuclear program and military sites, killing top military officers and raising the prospect of an all-out war between the two bitter adversaries.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Friday Israel will face 'severe punishment,' as state-run IRNA news agency confirmed top military officials and scientists had been killed in the attack.
An Israeli military official said that the Israeli Air Force targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites, without identifying them.
The attack comes as tensions have reached new heights over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. The Board of Governors at the International Atomic Energy Agency for the first time in 20 years on Thursday censured Iran over it not working with its inspectors. Iran immediately announced it would establish a third enrichment site in the country and swap out some centrifuges for more advanced ones.
Israel for years has warned it will not allow Iran to build a nuclear weapon, something Tehran insists it doesn't want though officials there have repeatedly warned it could.
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