Philippines expresses concern on Iran-Israel tensions

By Serdar Dincel

ISTANBUL (AA) - Philippines has voiced "serious concern" regarding rising tensions between Iran and Israel, the country's Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

"We urge all parties to refrain from escalating the situation and to work towards a peaceful resolution of their conflict," said the department in a statement.

The statement also underlined Manila's advocacy "for all states to adhere to the principles of international law and to the peaceful settlement of disputes."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

The attack, which killed seven Iranian military officials, including a senior IRGC commander, drew sharp reactions from the Iranian government officials, who vowed a "decisive response."

According to some unconfirmed reports, the IRGC fired more than 300 drones and missiles in an attack that lasted several hours, many of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems.

However, IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami told reporters in Tehran on Sunday morning that the operation was successful more than they had expected.

Meanwhile, speculation is rife that Israel may decide to retaliate, which experts believe could trigger an all-out regional war.