UPDATED: Iran strikes on Israel an ‘unprecedented escalation’: Borell

The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has condemned Iran’s strikes on Israel as an “unprecedented escalation”.

“The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel,” he wrote on the platform X.

“This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.”

Borrell and the EU also condemned Israel’s April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.

The EU strongly condemns the unacceptable Iranian attack against Israel.

This is an unprecedented escalation and a grave threat to regional security.

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) April 13, 2024

Some other reactions to the attack from official statements and postings on social media:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“In recent years, and especially in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for a direct attack by Iran. Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The State of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong.

“We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries. We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination.”

Iran’s mission to the United Nations

“… Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded.

“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

U.S. national security spokesperson Adrienne Watson

“President Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region. Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq. Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No one wants to see more bloodshed.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the government in Berlin condemned Iran’s attack on Israel “in the strongest terms.” 

She warned it had the potential to “plunge an entire region into chaos.” 

“Iran and its proxies must stop this at once,” Baerbock wrote in a short post online. “Israel has our complete solidarity in these hours.”