New Delhi: In a significant escalation of tensions, the United States, Canada, and the United Nations have issued strong condemnations against Iran’s recent airstrike on Israeli military installations. The attack, which involved a barrage of over 300 drones and missiles, was largely thwarted by Israeli defenses, with US President Joe Biden confirming that American support was pivotal in neutralizing the threat.
The assault was reportedly in retaliation for an April 1st airstrike in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of seven members of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), including a high-ranking official. While Iran has pointed fingers at Israel for the incident, there has been no official response from the Israeli side.
In the wake of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened an emergency ‘War Cabinet’ meeting and later discussed the situation with President Biden. The US President reassured Netanyahu of America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, which was recently demonstrated through the deployment of US military aircraft and missile destroyers to the region.
Biden has announced plans to gather the leaders of the G-7 countries to formulate a collective diplomatic strategy in response to Iran’s aggressive actions. He emphasized the ongoing dialogue with regional leaders and affirmed that the US remains vigilant against any threats, ready to protect its interests and allies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have both voiced their opposition to the attacks, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging restraint to prevent a full-scale military conflict in West Asia.
Dennis Francis, President of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted the precarious peace and security situation in West Asia, exacerbated by Iran’s justification of the attack under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Singapore’s Foreign Ministry have also expressed solidarity with Israel, warning that such actions by Iran could further destabilize an already volatile region.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding US forces and bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities while maintaining close communication with allies and partners. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a de-escalation of what could become a broader regional conflict.
