UK denies prior notice of Iran's retaliatory strikes on 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Apr 2024 19:31
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The G7, of which the UK is a member, issued a statement on Sunday condemning Iran's retaliatory attack on "Israel" and reaffirming their unwavering support for "Israel."

Union flags hang above Horseguards in Westminster in London, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 (AP)

The Guardian reported on Monday, citing a spokesperson for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, that the UK has not received a 72-hour prior notice from Iran regarding its intention to launch retaliatory strikes at "Israel".

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said on Sunday that Tehran sent warnings to multiple countries regarding the retaliatory operation targeting "Israel," including the US. Turkey, Jordan, and Iraq have reportedly confirmed receiving the notice.

"I would reject that characterization. And more broadly we condemn in the strongest possible terms their direct attack against Israel," the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

Iran's overnight attack on Sunday was conducted in response to "Israel's" recent aggression on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. According to Western reports, the attack involved 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 surface-to-surface missiles launched from Iran. The interception of the strikes was a joint collaboration of US, French, UK, and Jordanian forces. However, none of the hypersonic missiles launched by Tehran were intercepted by "Israel's" Defense systems.

The G7, of which the UK is a member, issued a statement on Sunday condemning Iran's retaliatory attack on "Israel" and reaffirming their unwavering support for "Israel."

"We express our full solidarity and support to Israel and its people and reaffirm our commitment towards its security," the statement read. "With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided."

On the other hand, Syria, Yemen, and Russia have expressed solidarity with Iran, noting that the attack is fully justified on the principle of self-defense.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned, "Going forward, we will reflect on additional sanctions against Iran in close cooperation with our partners. Specifically on its drone and missile programs."

Earlier today, Axios reported that the US House garnered dozens of new votes backing a bill for later this week, which would see sanctions on Iran and its Resistance regional allies, and support for "Israel" to respond to Iran's retaliatory attack.