Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, urging both sides to avoid escalating the conflict. The tensions between Iran and Israel have been on the rise, with both sides engaging in retaliatory attacks.
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran led to troops firing air defenses at a major air base and a nuclear site near Isfahan. This came after Tehran’s unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on Israel. Israel also carried out a missile strike targeting an air defense unit in southern Syria, causing material damage.
The region has been on edge since the start of the latest Israel-Hamas war, with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, backed by Iran, carrying out attacks that have resulted in casualties on both sides. The international community has been calling for restraint and de-escalation to prevent further violence.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized the statements made by Iran and Israel, calling them “illogical.” He also expressed disappointment in the U.S.’s support for Israel at the U.N. Security Council. Erdogan reiterated his support for Palestine and announced a meeting with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. was not involved in any offensive operations in the Israeli drone attack on Iran. He emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s defense while also advocating for de-escalation in the region.
The international community, including Russia, Germany, and the European Commission, has called for calm and urged both Iran and Israel to refrain from further actions that could escalate the conflict. The situation remains tense, with concerns about the potential for further violence and instability in the Middle East.