Tehran/Cairo, Apr 15 (EFE).- Amid mounting global calls for de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, Iran said on Monday that it did not seek further tension after launching a barrage of missiles and drones over the weekend targeting Israel.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Naser Kananí described the attack as “necessary, proportional, and aimed at military targets” to establish “deterrence capability.”
“Iran does not seek to escalate tensions in the region,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Naser Kananí in Tehran.
The attack, involving over 300 drones and missiles by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, triggered condemnations worldwide amid heightened security concerns in an already volatile region.
Concerns of potential Israeli retaliation have raised fears of escalating tension as mediators seek a resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Iran cited the attack as retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, which killed 13 people, including three generals.
The Iranian government vowed to respond forcefully to any further “illegal and irrational actions” by its aggressors.
“Iran acted with the goal of deterring and preventing the recurrence of Zionist regime (Israel) crimes, defending its security, and protecting its national interests,” Kananí said.
Iran set off diplomatic efforts and engaged in discussions with at least nine countries Following the attack.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hosein Amir Abdollahian held talks with counterparts from Russia, Qatar, India, Malta, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the European Union in the aftermath of the attack.
Most of the drones and missiles were reportedly launched from Iran, with some originating from Syria, southern Lebanon, and Iraq, where pro-Iranian militias are known to carry out similar attacks against Israel and United States bases.
The US military reported on Monday that it intercepted 80 attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles launched from Iran and Yemen targeting Israel over the weekend.
“Iran’s continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of US and coalition forces,” CENTCOM stated.
“We will continue to collaborate with all regional partners to enhance regional security,” CENTCOM affirmed.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the Iranian attack as “disproportionate” and confirmed France’s assistance to Israel in intercepting the missiles.
French aircraft from their base in Jordan intercepted several projectiles early Sunday, Macron disclosed in an interview with BFM TV.
The French intervention was conducted in coordination with the US and the United Kingdom, he added.
Lebanon urged on Monday for a halt to regional escalation and adherence to international resolutions to prevent “an explosion in the entire Middle East,” marking its first official statement after the Iranian attack.
A foreign ministry statement reiterated the call for de-escalation and the avoidance of military retaliation in all forms.
The statement stressed the importance of respecting international law and resolutions to avert the consequences of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is in China, condemned the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel, stressing the need for de-escalation.
“I repeat my warning: the situation cannot continue like this with Iran. It’s crucial to take steps for de-escalation,” he stated in Shanghai, China.
Asked about potential Israeli retaliation, Chancellor Scholz advised against it, noting Israel’s effective repulsion of the Iranian attack with regional and international cooperation.
“It demonstrates a significant performance by the Israeli army and air defense. Such success should not be squandered,” he remarked.
He urged Israel to refrain from retaliatory actions. EFE
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