India calls for de-escalation in Israel-Iran conflict, urges restraint
New Delhi, April 14: India voices deep concern over the mounting tensions between Israel and Iran, citing potential threats to regional peace and security. Urging an immediate de-escalation, India calls for the exercise of restraint and a cessation of violence, advocating for a return to diplomatic negotiations.
The Ministry of External Affairs in a press release said: The situation is under close observation, with Indian embassies in the region maintaining close contact with the Indian community. Emphasizing the importance of upholding security and stability in the region, India underscores the need for collective efforts to mitigate the crisis.
”We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region.”
Meanwhile, amid an escalation of tensions, US officials disclosed that Iran not only deployed drones but also launched missiles towards Israel, as Israel had earlier claimed that allied forces had intercepted more than 200 missiles and drones from Iran. Most missiles were intercepted outside Israel's territory by aerial defence systems, its military said.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed one reported injury resulting from the attacks. He stated that one military facility sustained light damage from Iranian missile strikes, though specifics regarding the affected base were not disclosed.
Israel's ambulance service had previously reported that paramedics were attending to a seven-year-old girl injured by shrapnel in the Bedouin area of the Arad region, presumably from falling debris during the attacks.
West Asia has been plunged deeper into uncharted waters after the Iran attack. It is to be seen what would be now the US-Israel response to the attack as both the US President and Prime Minister of Israel are presently discussing the situation on the phone. US air defence systems in the Middle East intercepted several Iranian drones, according to US officials to US media.
Certain restrictions on movement within Israel after the Iranian attack have been eased. Officials have announced that Israelis are no longer required to remain close to shelters nationwide.
However, limitations on gatherings persist, and all educational activities and school trips remain cancelled. Earlier reports of air raid sirens and explosions flooding in from cities across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, were reported as Israeli, US, UK, and Jordanian forces engaged in the interception of missiles and drones launched from Iran. Worried civilians as precautionary, took shelter as several explosions were heard and the city went blackout. There have been no major damages so far reported.
The IDF reports successful interception of most projectiles utilizing its "Arrow" aerial defence system, in collaboration with strategic allies in the region, before they breached Israeli territory. However, a few impacts were registered, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, resulting in minor damage to infrastructure.
It's worth noting that the Arrow defence system is specifically engineered to counter ballistic missiles at high altitudes, rather than slower-moving drones. Israel previously deployed the Arrow system to intercept a Houthi ballistic missile fired from Yemen at the beginning of the conflict in Gaza.
Iran Confirms the Attack
Foreign Minister of Iran confirmed the attack, citing it as a response to an Israeli raid on the Iranian consulate in Syria and self-defense. Iran suggests that the matter can now be "deemed concluded."
The ministry said that Iran has invoked the UN’s Article 51 of the UN Charter to justify its attack on Israel, citing the right to self-defence in the face of an armed attack. The Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s consulate in Damascus is argued by Iran to constitute a direct assault on its sovereignty.
The UN Security Council has announced an emergency meeting to address the escalating situation, with the current President of the Security Council, Malta, confirming the meeting will take place at 4 pm New York time on Sunday. This comes following a formal request from Israel’s UN envoy for an emergency meeting on Iran’s drone strikes against Israel.
As tensions continue to mount, the recent escalation follows a series of incidents in the region, including the destruction of Iran's consulate in Damascus and subsequent threats of retaliation from Iranian officials. With both Israel and Iran on high alert, the potential for further hostilities remains a pressing concern.
According to IRNA, the Iranian news agency, a gathering of Iranians assembled in front of Tehran University in the early hours of Sunday to express their backing for drone and missile strikes on targets of the Zionist regime in occupied territories. They proudly waved flags of both Palestine and Iran while applauding the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps for its anti-Israel endeavours.
Simultaneous Yemen Attack
According to reports, the Yemeni armed forces have launched multiple drones toward Israel concurrently with a barrage of missiles and drones fired by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. As Iran initiated a missile and drone assault on Israeli positions in response to an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, three Yemeni drones were reportedly spotted in the skies over Palestinian territories. English maritime security company "Ambri" claimed that these drones were launched with Iran's coordination. The Yemeni army has previously undertaken similar operations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, often targeting Israeli or Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea as part of anti-regime efforts. In the past, US Navy forces in the Red Sea have intercepted long-range missiles launched from Yemen towards Israel, while forces stationed in Iraq and Syria could potentially intercept drones and rockets aimed at northern Israel.
International reactions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expresses grave concern over the imminent risk of a widespread escalation across the region. In a statement, he vehemently denounces the significant escalation sparked by the extensive attack launched on Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Guterres calls for an immediate halt to these hostilities and emphasizes the imperative for all parties to exercise utmost restraint to prevent any actions that may precipitate large-scale military confrontations across various fronts in the Middle East. He reiterates his firm stance that neither the region nor the global community can afford the devastating consequences of another war.
France’s Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne has strongly criticized Iran's assault on Israel. Via a post on The X platform, he expressed, "Iran's choice of such unprecedented aggression marks a dangerous escalation in destabilizing acts, risking further military tensions." Sejourne also reassured Israel of Paris's unwavering commitment to its security.
Germany strongly denounces the Iranian attacks, expressing the utmost condemnation and warning Tehran of the peril of sparking a full-scale regional conflict, according to a spokesperson for Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "With this reckless and unjustified assault, Iran is jeopardizing the stability of the entire region. Germany reaffirms its steadfast support for Israel," the spokesperson stated.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has expressed concern over the "military escalation" in the region and has called for restraint from all parties to avoid the "dangers of wars." The ministry has warned of "serious consequences" if the conflict expands further.
The US President had a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the attack. On Saturday, the US president, following the conclusion of his meeting with national security advisers, had a two-hour briefing in the White House, President Biden vows to prioritize safeguarding Israel's security. Biden's constant communication with Israeli officials and allies, stressing the administration's unwavering support for Israel's security.
The US will intercept any threats to Israel if feasible. Notably, US Navy forces in the Red Sea have intercepted long-range missiles launched from Yemen toward Israel in the past, while forces in Iraq and Syria could potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel.
