UPDATE 2 - Arab nations condemn Israeli strikes on Iran

CHANGES DECK, LEDE; ADDS STATEMENTS FROM EGYPT, KUWAIT

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – States across the Mideast – including Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Kuwait, and Qatar – have condemned Saturday’s Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.

In a statement, Oman’s Foreign Ministry expressed “strong condemnation and denunciation” of the strikes, calling them a “blatant violation of (Iran’s) sovereignty” and “a clear breach of international law.”

The ministry warned that the attacks “fuel a cycle of violence and undermine efforts toward de-escalation and crisis containment through peaceful and diplomatic means.”

Oman urged the international community to take “effective action to halt this aggression.”

Qatar expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of Israel's targeting of Iran, branding the attacks “a blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and a clear breach of the principles of international law.”

The Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed “deep concern regarding the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation” and urged all concerned parties to “exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, and avoid anything that could destabilize security and stability in the region.”

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.

Ministry spokesman Sufyan Qudah reiterated the kingdom's “absolute rejection of the dangerous escalation in the region and violations of international law.”

Qudah called on the international community to “fulfill its responsibilities and take immediate actions to impose a cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon as a first step toward de-escalation.”

Kuwait expressed its “strong condemnation and rejection of the Israeli aggression targeting Iran.”

“This act reflects the chaotic policies pursued by Israeli occupation forces, which violate the sovereignty of nations, jeopardize regional security, and disregard the principles of international law,” Kuwait's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Kuwait reiterated its call for “the international community and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities in halting these actions that threaten the future of the region and its peoples,”

- Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq, Egypt

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed its "strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack,” calling it a “violation of Tehran's sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms.”

In a statement, the kingdom emphasized its "consistent position against the ongoing escalation and expansion of the conflict,” calling on "all parties to exercise maximum restraint and reduce tensions.”

The UAE's Foreign Ministry also issued a call for restraint, stressing “the importance of exercising utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the scale of conflict.”

It reaffirmed that “enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states” are critical to addressing current tensions and that disputes should be resolved “through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation.”

In Iraq, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Al-Awadi condemned “the Zionist aggression on Iran” and called for an immediate cease-fire.

Iraq reiterated its stance against any actions that could provoke further instability in the region.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is “closely monitoring the escalating tensions in the Middle East.”

Egypt condemned “all actions that threaten the security and stability of the region,” warning of the current risks of escalation.”

Cairo reiterated its call for an “urgent cease-fire” in Gaza and Lebanon, while calling for “respect for the sovereignty of nations and the integrity of their territories.”

At least two Iranian soldiers were killed Saturday when the Israeli army targeted Iranian military facilities in response to Iran's large-scale Oct. 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.

The White House said Israel’s strikes must bring to an end direct exchanges of fire between the two sides, warning Tehran of “consequences” should it respond.

Iranian military officials had previously warned that any attack from Israel would be met with a “harsher response.”

* Writing by Ikram Kouachi