As tensions mount in the Middle East, global leaders are voicing their concerns and opinions on the situation.
Warnings of Further Escalation: Iraq and Syria Condemn US Attacks
The security of the region is said to be “on the edge of the abyss” with unpredictable consequences: Iraq and Syria have strongly criticized the overnight US airstrikes on suspected positions of pro-Iranian militias in both countries. Bassem al-Awadi, the Iraqi government spokesperson, stated that the security of Iraq and the region is on the verge of collapse due to these attacks. He dismissed “false allegations” that there was “coordination” with the US government before the bombings. At least 16 people, including civilians, were killed in the attacks, with 36 others injured.
An Iraqi military spokesperson stated that the attacks violated the country’s sovereignty and were a threat that would lead Iraq and the region into unpredictable consequences, with terrible implications for security and stability.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that the actions of the US have dangerously fueled the conflict in the Middle East. The Syrian state news agency, Sana, quoted the Defense Ministry as saying that the attacks were “an attempt to weaken the capabilities of the Syrian army and its allies in the fight against terrorism.” The “US aggression” resulted in the deaths of several civilians and military personnel, causing significant damage. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 29 members of pro-Iranian militias were killed in Syria.
Retaliatory Attacks Following the Death of Three US Soldiers
According to the US military, more than 85 targets in Syria and Iraq, associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and militias supported by them, were attacked overnight. The US responded to the violent deaths of three US soldiers near the Jordan-Syria border a week ago. The US government holds radical militias supported by Iran responsible. Since mid-October, there have been over 165 attacks on bases in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, where US military personnel and their allies are stationed. The aim was to diminish the capabilities of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and their allies in the region in order to prevent further attacks on US forces, said John Kirby, the director of communications for the US National Security Council. President Joe Biden announced that US retaliatory attacks would continue when necessary.
Iran: “A Strategic Mistake”
Criticism of the US attacks also came from Iran. The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Nasser Kanaani, declared that they violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. The attacks represent “another reckless and strategic mistake by the United States, which will only lead to increased tension and instability in the region.”
The spokesperson accused the US of trying to cover up Israeli war crimes in Gaza. This constitutes a “strategic miscalculation” by the US government and will only further entangle Washington in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Concerns of Escalation
Internationally, there is growing concern about further escalation in the region. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell warned of heightened tensions, describing the Middle East as a “cauldron that could explode” during an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. All parties are urged to make efforts to avoid escalation.
Reports state that there were differing comments from EU foreign ministers regarding recent developments. Anna Lührmann, the German Minister of State for European Affairs, stated at the EU meeting in Brussels that there have been attacks on US bases in recent weeks, resulting in the loss of American lives, which was irresponsible. She noted that the US responded to prevent the recurrence of such attacks and made it clear that they do not seek escalation in the Middle East.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, on the other hand, expressed much stronger criticism. She stated that there is a real risk now of the Middle East crisis expanding. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, however, declared, “Iran’s proxies have been playing with fire for months and years – and now it is burning them.”
London Supports the Right to Respond to Attacks
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom signaled its support. “The UK and the USA are loyal allies. We would not comment on their operations, but we support their right to respond to attacks,” stated a spokesperson for the British government. “We have long condemned Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, including its political, financial, and military support for various militant groups.”
The US and the UK have initiated coordinated attacks on Houthi rebels in Yemen in the past month, who have repeatedly targeted commercial ships in the Red Sea. The Houthi, supported by Iran, consider their attacks as an act of solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.