London, UK – Tensions in the Middle East soared over the weekend after Iran launched a drone attack against Israel. In response, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak strongly condemned the action, labeling it “reckless” and urging all sides to de-escalate the situation.
The attack, which reportedly involved around 100 drones, came in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria that killed several Iranian military officials. The incident has sparked fears of a wider conflict in the region.
“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel,” declared Sunak in a statement released on Saturday night. “These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilizing the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.”
Read my statement on the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. pic.twitter.com/xeuR3cd3kG
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) April 13, 2024
Sunak stressed the UK’s commitment to regional security, particularly that of Israel. “The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq,” he stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of restoring calm. “Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation,” he said. “No one wants to see more bloodshed.”
Earlier in the day, Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, said that he had spoken to Israeli minister Benny Gantz to “discuss our shared concerns about Iranian threats to attack Israel”.
The Foreign Secretary wrote on Twitter:
Today I spoke with @gantzbe to discuss our shared concerns about Iranian threats to attack Israel.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 13, 2024
Further escalation in the region is in no-one's interest and risks further loss of civilian life.
The UK will continue to work with our partners in support of regional security.
