Raisi Deems Assault on Israel as Justifiable Self-Defense

 

World leaders are urging restraint following Iran's launch of drones and missiles at Israel in response to an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi has justified the attack as a "legitimate defense" in the face of threats to Iranian interests.

 

In a statement following the missile and drone barrage on Saturday, President Raisi asserted that Iran's actions were well within its right to defend itself. The attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military officials, including a senior Revolutionary Guard commander for Syria and Lebanon, sparking Iran's retaliatory measures.

 

Blaming Israel for the consulate attack, Iranian officials promised a decisive response. As tensions escalate, France has advised its citizens to leave Iran temporarily, urging caution and avoidance of gatherings.

 

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the need for calm amid the situation, confirming the interception of Iranian drones by British fighter jets during the attack on Israel. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, ahead of a visit to China, cautioned Iran against further aggression towards Israel, emphasizing the importance of stability in the region.

 

Iran had reportedly informed neighboring countries 72 hours before its retaliatory strikes on Israel, stressing the defensive nature of its actions. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran also informed the US that its attacks on Israel would be limited and defensive.

 

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock condemned Iran's actions, warning of the dangerous escalation in the Middle East. Chancellor Scholz echoed this sentiment, expressing solidarity with Israel and urging all parties, particularly Iran, to refrain from further aggression.

 

Pope Francis added his voice to calls for peace, urging an end to actions that could escalate violence and potentially ignite a wider conflict in the Middle East. He made his appeal during his Sunday prayer at the Vatican, emphasizing the need to avoid a dangerous spiral of violence.