HELSINKI: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has called for restraint to avoid further escalation in the region, after reports that Israel has carried out an attack on Iran.
In a statement, Ursula von der Leyen that they have to do everything possible so that all parties restrain from the escalation in the region. The EU chief told media persons in Finland that It was absolutely essential that the region stays stable and that all parties refrain from further action.
China also said that it opposed any actions that “further escalate tensions”, in the region. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Beijing has noted the relevant reports and opposes any actions that further escalate tensions in the region.
On the other hand, Oman condemned an “Israeli attack” on Iran on Friday after Iranian media reported about explosions heard near the city of Isfahan. The foreign ministry of Oman said in a statement via social media that it condemned the reported Israeli attack on Isfahan, along with denouncing Israel’s recurrent military actions in the region.
The latest developments come as US media reported that Israel has launched a missile strike against a site in Iran. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency confirmed blasts in Isfahan with official TV stating flights in several cities have been postponed. Iranian officials stated they shot down several drones and that there had been “no missile strike for now” on Iran, after blasts were heard near Isfahan.
Tasnim news agency cited informed sources as saying that there were no reports of an attack from abroad against Iran. The US has received advance notice of Israel’s reported attack on Iran but did not endorse the operation or play any part in its implementation, US media cited American officials as saying. CNN and NBC quoting sources familiar with the development and a US official, respectively, said Israel had provided the US with pre-notification of the attack on Iran.
