Global reactions to Iran's attack on Israel

As global reactions to Iran's missile attacks on Israel continue to emerge, US President Joe Biden made a statement to reporters regarding the matter.

Stating that Iran's attacks did not achieve their objective, Biden, "The attack appears to have been defeated and rendered ineffective," he said. Noting that this is a testament to Israel's military capabilities and the strength of the US military, Biden added, "Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel" he stated.

Russia criticizes the US over the Middle East: "A total failure"

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, in a statement on the social media app Telegram, said that the Biden administration's approach to the crisis in the Middle East is a "total failure." Describing the events as "a bloody drama that is only gaining momentum," Zakharova added, "The White House's incomprehensible statements reveal its helplessness in resolving crises."

Netanyahu: "Iran made a mistake, it will pay the price"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, saying that Iran would "pay the price" for its actions. Speaking at the beginning of a government meeting, Netanyahu said, "Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it," adding, "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to retaliate against our enemies." Stating that they would remain committed to the principles they have established, Netanyahu said, "Whoever attacks us, we will attack them. This applies to every place where we fight the axis of evil, and it applies to Iran as well."

Borrell: "An immediate ceasefire is needed"

EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell also condemned Iran's attack on Israel in a statement on the social media platform X. Expressing that the dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks spiraling out of control, Borrell warned, "An immediate ceasefire is needed across the region." Borrell stated that the EU remains committed to contributing to the prevention of a regional war.

Condemnation of Iran from the UK and Spain

A statement from the UK Prime Minister's Office reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Netanyahu and "expressed the UK's steadfast commitment to Israel's security and the protection of civilians," while noting that Starmer "condemned the Iranian attack in the strongest terms." A statement from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The government strongly condemns Iran's bombardment of Israel tonight. The international community must act immediately to stop the regional escalation, which has unpredictable consequences."

Zarif: "The only ones responsible are Israel and its allies"

Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's former Foreign Minister and current strategic advisor to President Masoud Pezeshkian, also criticized the West's "hypocrisy" in a statement on the social media platform X, describing it as "not only ugly but also extremely dangerous." Emphasizing that Western countries are "aiding and abetting the Israeli genocide in Gaza and turning a blind eye to Israel's attacks on Iran, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and other countries in the region," Zarif stated that Iran has a "natural right to self-defense" against Israel's repeated attacks. Zarif said, "Israel and its allies are solely responsible for all the consequences of Israel's persistent provocations and escalation of tensions."