Rishi Sunak has joined G7 leaders in condemning Iran’s bombing of Israel after it fired a barrage of 300 missiles on the country in an “unprecedented attack” that sparked fears of a Third World War.
Leaders met in a virtual conference this afternoon to coordinate a diplomatic response to Iran’s massive air attack on Israel, in which RAF planes were deployed to shoot down drones from Tehran.
The British Prime Minister condemned “in the strongest terms” Iran’s “reckless” attack and pledged to “continue to defend the security of Israel and that of all our regional partners”.
“We will continue to work to stabilize the situation and avoid further escalation. In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take additional action now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives,” the G7 said in a joint statement.
The urgent meeting was organized by Italy, which holds the rotating G7 presidency, and took place at 2 p.m., Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office said.
A G7 meeting took place this afternoon as leaders condemned Iran’s air attack on Israel “in the strongest possible terms”.
Sunak was not alone in his efforts as President Biden also confirmed that the US military had helped Israel shoot down “nearly all” of Iran’s drones and missiles.
Iran said it attacked Israel in “self-defense” after the April 1 attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus, which was widely blamed on Israel. In the photo, yesterday’s missiles
Missiles that began entering Israeli airspace were seen in video shared with MailOnline
The statement added: Iran has fired hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel. Israel, with the help of its partners, defeated the attack.
“We express our full solidarity and support for Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment to their security.
“Through its actions, Iran has taken a further step towards destabilizing the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided.
“We will also strengthen our cooperation to end the crisis in Gaza, including by continuing to work towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas, and by providing increased humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need.”
Sunak was also joined by US President Joe Biden on the call, amid fears of further escalation in the event of a possible Israeli counterattack.
People gather around a destroyed building targeted by Israeli airstrikes on the village of Nabi Sheet, in Baablbek district, eastern Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, April 14, 2024.
Yesterday, drones or missiles were competing for targets in undisclosed locations in northern Israel.
The Iranian attack, in response to a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in Damascus on April 1, raised the threat of a broader regional conflict.
The UK was one of several countries, including the US, which helped counter Iranian bombing – in its first ever direct strike on Israeli territory.
Additional RAF aircraft have been deployed over Iraq and Syria, not Israel, the Ministry of Defense said.
Speaking to reporters at Downing Street, Sunak said that if Iran had succeeded in its attack, “the consequences for regional stability would be difficult to overestimate.”
He did not confirm how many Iranian drones had been shot down by British forces.
Attack drones have been intercepted by RAF planes in Syrian and Iraqi airspace – but the MoD did not say how many British Typhoons were in the air.
However, they assured that the RAF would cancel “any airborne attack within range” of its operations in the region.
Sunak was not alone in his efforts as President Biden also confirmed that the US military had helped Israel shoot down “nearly all” of Iran’s drones and missiles.
But Tehran has already threatened a “heavier” response if Washington cooperates with any further Israeli military action against it.
Jordan also played a role in the crucial interceptions, as its military shot down a number of missiles as they flew over Jordanian airspace.
Sunak said it was clear that Iran was “determined to sow discontent and destabilize the region, its own turf”.
He also pledged to continue offering support for Israel’s security.
“We will work with our allies to de-escalate the situation and I look forward to speaking to G7 leaders this afternoon,” he said ahead of this afternoon’s meeting.
The G7 brings together the United States, Canada, Italy, Great Britain, France, Germany and Japan.
Its foreign ministers are due to meet from April 17 to 19 on the Italian island of Capri.
These urgent negotiations come after Iran launched hundreds of aerial drones and cruise missiles at Israel overnight from Saturday to Sunday, as part of a massive retaliatory attack.
Iran has claimed the heavy bombing of Israel was a response to the April 1 airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, the Syrian capital, that killed 12 Iranians and two senior commanders.
Iran has accused Israel of being responsible for the airstrike, but the country has yet to confirm that it will carry out what Iran has dubbed “Operation True Promise.”
The attack began around 8 p.m. Saturday and lasted about five hours, according to U.S. officials.
During the attack, explosions were heard in every city in Israel, including Tel Aviv, and were even heard in Jerusalem as air raid sirens sounded in more than 720 locations.
Israel’s chief military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, said the Iranian attack involved more than 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles, according to reports.
A seven-year-old girl was also seriously injured by missile fragments, while other patients suffered minor injuries and some were treated for anxiety.
The attack also came as the latest attempt to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza war appeared to be failing, with Israel accusing Hamas of rejecting a truce proposal.
Earlier in the day, Israel showed its first signs of retaliation after razing a building in eastern Lebanon and vowing to respond to the Iranian attack.
A source within Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah said Israel struck one of its buildings near the Syrian border today.
The source told AFP: “The Israeli strike targeted an area…near Baalbek and targeted a two-story building belonging to Hezbollah,” adding that no casualties were reported.
But speaking to the media this evening, an Israeli military spokesperson warned that broader plans, both offensive and defensive, had been authorized following last night’s Iranian attack.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “Hamas and Iran want to inflame the Middle East and cause escalation in the region,” adding that the IDF remains “on alert” and “assessing the situation.”
He continued: “Over the last two hours, we have approved both offensive and defensive operational plans.
“We will continue to protect the State of Israel and, together with our partners, we will continue to build a more secure and stable future for the entire Middle East.”
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