UPDATE 2 - Asian nations call for 'restraint' after Iran's retaliatory strikes on Israel

UPDATES WITH NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, AFGHANISTAN AND MALAYSIA 'S REACTIONS ON IRAN-ISRAEL TENSION, CHNGES DECK, LEDE

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Several Asian nations on Sunday expressed "deep" concerns about the current escalation in the Iran-Israel tension and called on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint.

China said it is "deeply" concerned about the current escalation and called on relevant parties to remain "calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation of tensions" in the Middle East.

"China calls on the international community, especially influential countries, to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in response to Iran's retaliatory drone strikes on Israel.

The ministry said the escalation is the latest manifestation of spillover from the Gaza conflict, "so the pressing task now is to earnestly implement UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and end the Gaza conflict as soon as possible."

On March 25, the UN Security Council passed a resolution, demanding an immediate cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages and the urgent need to expand the flow of aid into Gaza.

The Chinese Embassy in Iran advised its nationals and companies in the country to strengthen security precautions, state television CCTV reported.

- Japan condemns strikes

Japan "strongly" condemned Iran's drone strikes, calling it an "escalation of events."

A Foreign Ministry statement on Sunday said it is "deeply" concerned at the situation.

"This attack is one that further worsens the current Middle East situation. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn this sort of escalation," the statement said.

"Peace and stability is especially important for Japan, and the government will continue to take the necessary diplomatic steps to prevent a deterioration of the situation, it added.

Singapore also condemned Iran's aerial attacks, saying these “escalating attacks exacerbate tensions and further destabilize an already tense region.”

"Singapore remains deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the Middle East, and the continuing danger of the war in Gaza triggering a wider regional conflagration,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

Singapore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalatory actions, it added.

- 'Consequence of breaking international law'

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim dubbed Iran’s attack as a "consequence of the Israeli government breaking international laws" by bombing the Iranian consulate on April 1.
He said the attack and war between the two regional rivals was not "good for the world economy and peace," local English daily Malay Mail reported.

“The war between Iran and Israel that started after the Zionist Israeli government attacked the Iranian embassy, which is against international law, is a consequence of one’s actions. When you break the law you invite a reaction."

- NZ slams 'illegal' strikes

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemned Iran’s aerial strikes, describing them as "shocking and illegal."

“These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Luxon said calling on all parties to "step down from further retaliatory action. De-escalation is essential,” local media reported.

"We fully support efforts by those in the region, and beyond, to contain the tensions and protect innocent lives,” he added.

- 'Breakdown of diplomacy'

Pakistan termed the escalation of tensions in the Middle East "breakdown of diplomacy."

"Today's developments demonstrate the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"These also underline the "grave" implications in cases where the UN Security Council is unable to fulfil its responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security."

For months, it added, Pakistan has underlined the necessity of international efforts to prevent expansion of hostilities in the region and for a cease-fire in Gaza.

"It's now critically urgent to stabilize the situation and restore peace. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint," it concluded.

- 'Legitimate defense'

Afghanistan called Iran’s retaliatory strikes “legitimate defense.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said that Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1 was "against all diplomatic norms and international laws."

Since Oct.7, it added, Tel Aviv has continued to commit "genocide" and has killed more than 33,000 civilians in Gaza.

It has tried to divert the global attention from its "crimes" by "violating the space of other countries and spreading insecurity," it maintained.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan calls on all influential countries in the world and the region to accelerate their efforts to stop the crimes of the Zionist regime (Israel) in order to prevent the crisis from spreading further,” the statement said.

- India 'seriously' concerned

India said it was "seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran, which threatens the peace and security in the region."

"We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

India, it added, is closely monitoring the evolving situation and Indian embassies in the region are in close touch with the Indian community.

“It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the statement further said.