UAE and Saudi Arabia condemn Israeli strikes on Iran
The countries urged all parties to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
Riyadh: The UAE and Saudi Arabia on Saturday condemned the military targeting of Iran, calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Israel blamed "Iran and its proxies" for attacks on Israel, including an October 1 barrage of missiles fired by Iran in a direct attack against Israeli territory for which Israel had vowed retaliation.
Israel has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip for more than a year, and last month turned its focus to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon where it escalated air strikes and sent in ground troops.
'UAE strongly condemned'
In a statement, the UAE strongly condemned the military targeting of Iran, expressing serious concern about escalating tensions and their impact on regional security and stability.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for maximum restraint and emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation. "Exercising wisdom and avoiding actions that may expand the conflict are crucial at this time," the statement read.
The ministry reiterated the UAE's stance that dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty are essential for resolving ongoing crises. The statement stressed the need to settle differences through diplomatic means, steering away from confrontation and escalation.
Saudi Arabia urges maximum restraint
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its steadfast stance against continued regional escalation and the expansion of conflicts that endanger the security and stability of countries and people in the region.
The Kingdom urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and work to de-escalate tensions, warning of the consequences of ongoing military conflicts in the region.
The Kingdom also called on the international community, along with influential and active parties, to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in reducing tensions and ending conflicts in the region.
Qatar, a mediator trying to end the Gaza war, expressed in a foreign ministry statement its "deep concern about the serious repercussions that may result from this escalation" by Israel on Saturday.
Oman, which has long played a mediating role between Iran and Western countries, said Israel's attack on Iran "fuels the cycle of violence and undermines efforts" to de-escalate. It said the international community should "put an end to these blatant violations on the territory of neighbouring countries".
Kuwait's foreign ministry also expressed condemnation and accused Israel of "endangering the security of the region".