Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU Council President Charles Michel condemns Iran’s missile attack on Israel, and calls for de-escalation.
The European Union has criticised Iran’s missile attack on Israel, in which around 180 rockets were shot in retaliation for Israeli strikes on leaders of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. The attack extended alarms over regional security, with EU officials urging for restraint and an immediate ceasefire.
How does Charles Michel view Iran’s missile attack?
“Iran’s attack against Israel […] is a threat to regional security,”
European Council President Charles Michel said.
He also stressed that the
“deadly escalatory spiral in the Middle East must stop now”
and cautioned that a regional war is in no one’s interest.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell quoted Michel’s sentiments, expressing concern over the retaliatory actions spiralling out of control. He restated the EU’s commitment to Israel’s security and vowed all parties to exercise restraint.
“The EU stands ready to support efforts to de-escalate and protect civilian lives,”
Michel added in his statement, while Borrell called for a quick ceasefire across the region.
What are US responses to Iran’s missile attack on Israel?
Meanwhile, the United States gave a stern warning to Iran, vowing severe outcomes for the ballistic missile attack on Israel. US President Joe Biden explained the attack as a “significant escalation” but stated it had been thwarted by Israel’s air defences, with US forces in the region providing assistance.
“We are fully supporting Israel,”
Biden said, adding that talks are ongoing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on how Israel will react to the attack. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlights that Washington is in close consultation with Israeli officials and is dedicated to holding Iran responsible for the assault.
“There will be consequences, severe consequences,”
Sullivan said during a White House briefing.
