Eurasian countries call for preventing escalation in Mideast amid Iran-Israel tension

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Eurasian countries on Sunday called on preventing further escalation in the Middle East after an overnight attack by Iran on Israel in response to the targeting of its diplomatic mission in Syria on April 1.​​​​​​​

Iran is said to have fired more than 300 projectiles at Israel, many of which were intercepted by Tel Aviv and its allies.

"Ukraine condemns Iran’s attack on Israel ... We in Ukraine know very well the horror of similar attacks by Russia ... the same tactics of mass air strikes," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X.

Expressing that every effort must be made to prevent a further escalation in the region, Zelenskyy said Iran's actions “threaten the entire region and the world, just as Russia's actions threaten a larger conflict.”

He argued that the “obvious collaboration” between Russia and Iran “must face a resolute and united response from the world.”

“Words do not stop drones and do not intercept missiles. Only tangible assistance does,” Zelenskyy said, adding: “It is critical that the United States Congress make the necessary decisions to strengthen America's allies at this critical time.”

Separately, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, describing such actions as “completely unacceptable, irresponsible and carry the risk of unprecedented further escalation of the situation in the Middle East.”

“It is extremely important to make every effort to prevent the confrontation from escalating into a large-scale regional conflict. This attack once again demonstrates the importance of mobilizing all the power of the free world to defend the global boundaries of democracy,” it added.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu condemned Iran’s attack on Israel, and expressed full support of the international community’s efforts to prevent escalation. “Our thoughts are with all those who want peace in the Middle East and globally,” she said on X.

“We stand in solidarity with Israel and its people, as regional security in the entire Middle East is seriously threatened, and further escalation must be avoided,” said Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry expressed "deep concern" over the rising tensions, calling on all parties to "exercise restraint and avoid dangerous escalation that would further destabilize the situation in the Middle East."

Similarly, the Kazakh Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the escalation, and called on all parties to exercise restraint. "Kazakhstan reiterates its strong support for the international community's efforts to stabilize the situation and ensure security in the region," it added.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry also expressed deep concern over the situation, calling on the international community and international organizations to "take measures" and "consolidate efforts for the urgent stabilization of the situation."