World Leaders Urge Iran and Israel to Step Back from Brink Amid Rocket Attacks

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point as Iran fired a barrage of rockets at Israel, prompting a swift response from world leaders. The attack, which comes amid ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, has left many worried about the potential for further escalation.

The rockets, which were fired on Tuesday, were launched in response to the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders, according to Tehran. Israel, however, said the attack was a clear act of aggression and vowed to retaliate.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, condemned the "broadening conflict in the Middle East" and called for a ceasefire. "This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire," he said.

The United States also condemned the attack, with President Joe Biden ordering the military to aid Israel’s defense against Iranian attacks. "Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Other world leaders, including those from Spain, Germany, France, Britain, and Canada, also condemned the attack, with many calling for restraint and an end to the "spiral of violence" in the region.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group, praised the attack, saying it was in revenge for the killing of its leader and others. The group’s statement described the rocket launches as "heroic" and vowed to continue fighting against Israel.

The situation remains highly volatile, with Israel vowing to retaliate and Iran warning of further attacks. World leaders will be closely watching the situation to see if a peaceful resolution can be reached or if the conflict will continue to escalate.

In a statement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for an end to the "spiral of violence" and urged restraint. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock demanded that Iran stop its missile attack, saying it was "leading the region further towards the abyss." French Prime Minister Michel Barnier called the situation "extremely serious," while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack "in the strongest terms." Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly slammed the attack, saying it would only serve to further destabilize the region.