Riyadh: Arab states intensified diplomatic efforts on Friday to mitigate further regional conflict after Israel launched extensive military strikes against Iran, as stated in official announcements by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, and Palestine.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli military operation, named 'Rising Lion,' involved over 200 fighter jets targeting nuclear facilities and high-ranking military officials in Iran. In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump to address the situation. The Saudi Press Agency reported that both leaders underscored the importance of restraint, de-escalation, and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan also communicated with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, condemning the Israeli actions as 'blatant' and detrimental to regional peace efforts. He further discussed the matter with Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers to strategize on reducing tensions. Additionally, he spoke with Norway's Foreign Minister about the developments.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman expressed 'deep concern' during separate calls with his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, and Jordan. He condemned the Israeli strikes and vowed Qatar's cooperation with regional and international partners to halt the violence and prevent regional destabilization.
In the UAE, Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed engaged with counterparts from Qatar, Oman, France, the UK, and Russia, focusing on international diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq discussed the escalating tensions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sharing views on promoting regional stability.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Qatari and Iranian counterparts, emphasizing Egypt's rejection of any sovereignty violations and urging efforts to avoid widespread conflict, warning of the chaos that could ensue if tensions escalate.
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi both highlighted the serious threat posed to regional security, urging the international community to intervene. Safadi condemned the Israeli strikes and stated Jordan's refusal to tolerate any sovereignty violations.
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya expressed solidarity with Iran and rejected violence, emphasizing diplomatic efforts to maintain regional security during talks with Saudi and Iranian counterparts.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein informed Iran's Araghchi that Iraq lodged an official complaint with the UN Security Council regarding Israeli airspace violations during the strikes. Iraq demanded accountability for Israel's actions to ensure respect for its sovereignty.
Palestine's Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh communicated with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, discussing the crisis's implications for the Middle East.