Israel’s Attack on Iran: A New Alignment in Global Diplomacy
Israel’s Attack on Iran: A New Alignment in Global Diplomacy
As Israel intensifies its attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military centers, a group of countries and Tehran’s allies, from Islamabad to Caracas, have swiftly condemned Israel’s attacks, declared support for Iran, and warned of the security repercussions at both regional and global levels. In contrast, Western countries have mostly criticized Iran.
None of these countries have promised direct military support, but their statements indicate the formation of a diplomatic alignment against what is described as an unjust attack. Most countries have called for a rapid de-escalation of tensions, and some have condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear centers. However, most Western countries have adopted a critical stance towards Iran or have openly supported Israel and its actions.
Regional countries and neighbors express concern over the escalation of conflict and denounce Israel’s actions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan condemned Israel’s attack, stating that Iran is defending itself against Israel’s illegal and reckless attacks, labeling it as state terrorism. He emphasized that Iran’s defense is a natural, legal, and justified action. Pakistan, as a regional neighbor of Iran, took one of the strongest stances. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described Israel’s attacks as aggressive and illegal and added that Pakistan stands with the people of Iran and is committed to regional peace and territorial integrity.
The Armenian government condemned Israel’s recent attacks on Iran, while Azerbaijan took a cautious stance, calling for dialogue. Azerbaijan has close military ties with Israel and has purchased advanced military equipment worth hundreds of millions of dollars from this country in recent years. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has also shown support for Iran’s position. Reports indicate that Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, described Israel’s attack on residential areas and infrastructure in Iran, including nuclear facilities, as a blatant violation and contrary to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, despite having formal relations with Israel, strongly condemned Israel’s military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran and expressed serious concern over the escalation of tensions and its implications for regional security and stability.
The Arab countries of the Persian Gulf are concerned about the spread of conflict and its detrimental effects on the region. Saudi Arabia’s official stance is similar to that of the UAE, with the country’s Foreign Minister conveying this view to Iranian officials during a call.
Although Saudi Arabia hosts some U.S. military bases in the region, its relations with Iran have noticeably improved in recent months.
Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain have also taken similar stances, with the Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post describing their reactions as instinctive and automatic.
Lebanon also condemned Israel’s attack on Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Israel’s attacks target not only the Iranian people but also all international efforts for stability in the Middle East and neighboring countries.
The Syrian government has not yet released any official stance condemning the violation of its airspace by Israel.
Russia, China, and India: From Outright Condemnation to Calls for Restraint
Russia and China have supported Iran’s positions and condemned Israel’s actions in international bodies.
In recent years, these two countries have been recognized as strategic partners of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with agreements reached between them and Tehran, some of which are confidential. According to some analysts, these agreements may include security commitments.
China and Russia initially took cautious stances but expressed their views more decisively as the crisis escalated.
China’s representative at the United Nations described Israel’s attacks as contrary to international laws and called for the resumption of nuclear negotiations. Moscow also, in a similar tone, called for maximum restraint from all parties.
Russia also warned against any direct military aid from the United States to Israel.
On the other hand, India has refrained from issuing an official condemnation against Israel, indicating that it is still balancing its security relations with Israel and maintaining regional stability.
India expressed regret over the conflict between Iran and Israel, urging both sides to show restraint and seek diplomatic solutions. India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized the need for safety principles concerning nuclear facilities.
Latin America: Political and Symbolic Support
In Latin America, a number of leftist governments with longstanding relations with Tehran have been among the serious critics of Israel’s attacks.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned Israel’s attack on Iran, describing it as a belligerent action and calling Israel the greatest threat to global peace and humanity.
Cuban leaders also strongly condemned this action, calling it an irresponsible act that endangers the security of the Middle East and the world.
The governments of Chile, Bolivia, and Nicaragua also issued aligned statements strongly condemning Israel’s attacks.
Brazil also assessed these actions as a violation of Iran’s territorial integrity and disregard for international laws, warning that these attacks could lead the region towards a broader conflict and pose a serious threat to global peace and international economic stability.
Among Latin American countries, Argentina and Paraguay, which have right-wing governments, have taken critical stances towards Iran.
Europe: Indirect Support and Avoidance of Condemning Israel
Most European countries have, in their stances, somewhat sided with Israel’s military actions in Iranian territory.
Friedrich Merz, the newly appointed Chancellor of Germany, welcomed Israel’s attacks on Iran, stating that Israel has undertaken and executed the difficult and unpleasant part of the mission.
He also said, ‘I can only express my utmost respect for the Israeli army and government for their courage in undertaking such an action.’
European countries share Israel and the United States’ concerns about the potential objectives of Iran’s nuclear program. However, they are worried that the current conflict could spiral out of control and turn into a widespread regional war. Their concern about the impact of this crisis on the global crude oil market has also significantly increased.
Other Regions of the World: Scattered but Sympathetic Stances
Japan, a member of the G7, has condemned Israel’s attack on Iranian soil. Japan’s Foreign Minister called this action highly provocative and said Japan strongly condemns this attack, which exacerbates the crisis.
Belarus, a close ally of Iran, also announced its strong criticism of Israel’s actions, aligning with Russia’s stance.
Countries from the African continent have also reacted to Israel’s attacks on Iran.
In a statement issued by the foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic countries condemning Israel’s ongoing military interventions against Iran, the names of countries such as Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Mauritania, Somalia, and Sudan were mentioned.