The United States and Israel have launched joint military strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran and a wave of urgent diplomatic reactions from around the globe .
Here are the key points of the global response:
· The Conflict: Israel carried out what it called a "preemptive strike" on Iran, with the US later confirming it had joined the operation to eliminate "imminent threats" . In response, Iran launched missiles toward Israel and US bases in neighboring countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait .
· UN & Humanitarian Concerns: The UN's human rights chief warned that further attacks would lead to "death, destruction and human misery," urging all parties to "see reason" . The Red Cross warned of a "dangerous chain reaction" with potentially devastating consequences for civilians .
· Major Power Reactions:
· Russia: Slammed the strikes as a "pre-planned act of aggression," warning of a potential "radiological catastrophe" .
· China: Urged "an immediate halt to military actions" and insisted that Iran's sovereignty should be respected .
· EU & European Nations: The EU called the situation "perilous" and stressed the critical need to "ensure nuclear safety" . France called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting . Norway stated that Israel's pre-emptive strike violated international law .
· Regional Reactions:
· Qatar: Confirmed its defense systems intercepted an Iranian missile and reserved the right to respond .
· Jordan: Successfully intercepted missiles targeting its territory .
· Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia: Expressed grave concern and called for de-escalation to protect regional stability .
· Impact on Travel: Several international airlines, including Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and TAROM, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman .
🌍 Other Significant Headlines
· Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes: At least 19 people, mostly women and children, were killed in clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The UN Secretary-General called for an immediate cessation of hostilities .
· Singapore Tightens Driving Laws: In response to a surge in road traffic deaths, Singapore will more than halve the alcohol limit for drivers and tighten the demerit points system .
· Volcanic Activity in the Philippines: The Kanlaon Volcano continues to emit ash, a frequency experts consider normal, but the public is advised to remain vigilant .
· Measles Cases in Singapore: Two Singapore Airlines transit passengers were confirmed to have been infected with measles before arriving in Singapore, but they are not linked to any local cases .