FALCON POWERS – Saudi Arabia and the UAE condemned the “military targeting” that Iran experienced early Saturday, without explicitly mentioning Israel, which announced airstrikes on military targets in the Islamic Republic.
Israel stated early Saturday that the military was “attacking military targets” in Iran in response to a significant Iranian missile attack on the Israeli state on October 1, during which approximately 200 missiles were launched toward Israel, most of which were intercepted.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement via X platform, expressing, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces the military targeting of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which constitutes a violation of its sovereignty and contravenes international laws and norms.” It reaffirmed its “firm stance in rejecting the continued escalation in the region and the expansion of the conflict.”
The ministry urged “all parties to exercise the utmost restraint and reduce escalation, warning of the consequences of continued military conflicts in the region.”
Similarly, the UAE Foreign Ministry condemned “in the strongest terms the military targeting of Iran,” expressing “deep concern over the ongoing escalation and its implications for security and stability in the region.” It emphasized “the importance of exercising the utmost restraint and wisdom to avoid risks and expand the conflict,” stressing “the necessity of resolving disputes through diplomatic means.”
Oman, which maintains close ties with Iran, also condemned “the airstrikes carried out by Israel,” considering it “an escalation that fuels a cycle of violence and undermines efforts aimed at calming tensions.” It called on the international community to “put an end to these blatant violations on the territories of neighboring countries.”
Hamas also condemned the Israeli attack on Iran on Saturday, describing it as “a blatant violation of Tehran’s sovereignty and an escalation targeting the security of the region and the safety of its peoples.” In a statement, it declared, “We strongly condemn the Zionist aggression against Iran and the targeting of military sites in several provinces.”
The movement characterized the attack as “a blatant violation of Iranian sovereignty and an escalation targeting the security of the region and the safety of its peoples, holding the occupation accountable for the repercussions of this U.S.-backed aggression.” It added, “The brutal aggression confirms the nature of the criminal occupation that continues to spill the blood of innocent civilians in Gaza, Lebanon, and other parts of our Arab and Islamic nations, relying on a criminal military and political cover from the U.S. administration and some Western capitals.”
Hamas affirmed its solidarity with Iran in facing “the arrogance and impunity of the Zionist entity” and praised Tehran and the Iranian people’s support for Palestinians and their cause.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Saturday that Iran should refrain from responding to the strikes carried out by Israel on military targets, speaking during a press conference held at the Commonwealth summit in Samoa. He said, “We must be very clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, but we urge all parties to exercise restraint. Therefore, I want to be very clear today: Iran should not respond.”
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid supported the attacks carried out by his country’s military against Iran early Saturday but criticized the political decision by the government not to strike strategic and economic targets, calling it “wrong.” In a post on X platform Saturday morning, Lapid stated, “I congratulate the Israeli Air Force, which has once again demonstrated its air superiority and operational capabilities at the highest level in the world.”
Lapid added, “Israel’s enemies learned this morning that the Israeli army is strong and can attack forcefully and reach anywhere.” He criticized the nature of the Israeli attack, saying that “the decision not to strike strategic and economic targets in Iran was wrong.” He continued, “We could, and we should have, made Iran pay a heavy price.”
Israel has been waging a war against Hamas in Gaza for more than a year following an unprecedented attack by the Palestinian movement inside Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. Since September 30, it has also launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, along with intensive airstrikes.
The war has prompted Iran-aligned armed factions in the region to intervene, with the “Ansar Allah” group in Yemen attacking Israel multiple times with ballistic missiles and drones, while Iraqi factions have launched drones at northern Israel.
Observers have repeatedly warned of their concerns regarding the potential for the conflict to expand and turn into a comprehensive regional war that could engulf the area.
