Russia calls for restraint after Iranian strikes on Israel

Russia calls for restraint after Iranian strikes on Israel

Russia expressed extreme concern over Iranian strikes on Israel, calling for all parties to show restraint. Tensions will remain high until the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is resolved. Russia condemned Israel’s strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and warned that unresolved crises in the Middle East could escalate tensions. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that a war between Israel and Iran would harm Joe Biden’s chances of being re-elected as U.S. president.

Analysis: how Iran’s attack is interpreted and why there is optimism for a de-escalation

Analysis: how Iran’s attack is interpreted and why there is optimism for a de-escalation

Iran launched a significant attack on Israel, which was largely expected as retaliation for previous events. The attack was carefully calculated to avoid a full-scale war and there is cautious optimism for a de-escalation of the crisis. Iran’s action was more symbolic than substantive, and Israel is expected to react in a targeted manner to avoid further conflict. Further escalation by Iran is considered unlikely at present. Both Iran and Israel are regional powers with complex security concerns.

MFA: Preventive activation of the ESTIA Plan – Continued contacts of Kombos with his counterparts

MFA: Preventive activation of the ESTIA Plan – Continued contacts of Kombos with his counterparts

The Special ESTIA National Plan (level 3) was activated as a precautionary measure by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Due to the closure of Jordanian and Lebanese airspace, four flights with 704 passengers landed in Larnaca. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has been in constant contact with counterparts and the Crisis Management Centre is fully operational.

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.

Iran’s military officials warn Israel and U.S. against retaliation – State TV

Iran’s military officials warn Israel and U.S. against retaliation – State TV

Iran warned Israel of a larger attack on its territory if it retaliates against Tehran’s drone and missile attack. The attack was in response to Israel bombing Iran’s consulate in Syria, resulting in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran also threatened to target U.S. bases if Washington supports any Israeli military action against Iran.

Sky News: Iran’s direct attack on Israel is unprecedented – Why Tehran chose to strike with drones

Sky News: Iran’s direct attack on Israel is unprecedented – Why Tehran chose to strike with drones

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel using 200 drones and missiles. Most of the drones were intercepted, with only one 7-year-old girl injured by shrapnel. The use of cruise missiles changed the dynamics of the situation. The attack caused Israelis to feel vulnerable and the government will be forced to respond. The attack was similar to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, experimenting with different types of missiles and drones. Iran has also tested US Navy defense systems through Houthi drone attacks.

Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

Vassilis Kopsachilis on philenews: Iran’s response is convenient for everyone, but the blows between the two sides will continue

Israel and Iran are on a collision course, with fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Tehran responded to an Israeli strike by hijacking a ship and attacking Israel with missiles and drones. The US wants to avoid escalation, but it may be challenging to restrain Israel from retaliating. The conflict between Israel and Iran is likely to continue, with potential for further violence and involvement from other countries like the US and China.

Christodoulides: Very difficult situation, hope there will be no escalation

Christodoulides: Very difficult situation, hope there will be no escalation

President Christodoulides convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council with several ministers and officials, lasting over an hour. Cyprus is not involved in any attacks, as stated by the President. He emphasized the difficult situation and the need to safeguard the interests of the Republic and its people. Continuous monitoring and alertness are in place, with discussions scheduled with European leaders regarding the situation, including migration issues. The President confirmed that there was no prior information from the British about the attacks from the bases.