Bahrain, GCC nations condemn Israeli attack on Iran
Bahrain and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations yesterday issued strong condemnation of Israel's deadly airstrikes on Iran, warning of grave repercussions for regional peace and security.
The unified rebuke came amid mounting fears of a full-scale war, a 12% spike in oil prices, and renewed uncertainty over fragile US-Iran nuclear talks.
In a sweeping assault, Israel reportedly killed Iran's armed forces chief of staff, the head of the Revolutionary Guards, and several senior nuclear scientists. It said the strikes targeted critical military and nuclear facilities. Tehran labelled the attacks a 'declaration of war' and vowed a 'bitter and painful' response.
The United States denied any role in the strike but warned Iran against targeting American personnel or interests. Former US President Donald Trump warned of 'even more brutal' attacks if Iran failed to reach a nuclear deal. Iran responded by launching nearly 100 drones, which Israeli forces claimed to be intercepting.
Bahrain: Halt military escalation
The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for immediate restraint and a halt to hostilities. 'It is necessary to end this regional conflict for the benefit of all the people of the region,' it said, stressing the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and continuing US-Iran nuclear negotiations scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
Saudi Arabia: Blatant aggression
Saudi Arabia denounced the strikes as 'blatant Israeli aggressions' that violated Iranian sovereignty and international law. 'These heinous attacks place a major responsibility on the international community and the UN Security Council to act swiftly,' it said.
UAE and Oman: Step back
The UAE urged 'utmost self-restraint and wise judgment', while Oman called the strikes a 'dangerous and reckless escalation' that risked devastating consequences for the region.
Qatar and Kuwait: Deep concern, urgent action
Qatar expressed 'deep concern', calling the strike a 'flagrant violation' of sovereignty. Kuwait described the assault as a product of 'chaotic policies', warning it endangered the entire region. Both called on the UN Security Council to uphold international law and restore calm.
Nuclear talks in jeopardy
The Israeli assault cast serious doubt on Sunday's planned USIran nuclear talks in Oman. The IAEA confirmed Iran is enriching uranium to 60% purity—well above the 3.67% cap set by the 2015 nuclear deal, but below the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon.
Iran fires back
Meanwhile, in a late-night counterstrike, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel. Air raid sirens and explosions were reported across the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of 'several waves of Iranian attacks.'
AFP reported smoke billowing over downtown Tel Aviv as Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for attacking dozens of Israeli targets. Israeli emergency services said several people were trapped in a high-rise building hit in central Israel.
The missile strike came just hours after Israel's initial raids reportedly killed several top Iranian generals, including much of the Revolutionary Guards' air force leadership.
Netanyahu tells Iranians 'more is on the way'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday in a message to Iranians that Israel would press its campaign after launching waves of strikes.
'In the past 24 hours, we have taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime's most significant enrichment facility and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal,' Netanyahu said in a video statement, adding: 'More is on the way. The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.'
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