What happened?

  • Israel’s war cabinet is considering its military and diplomatic options in response to Iran’s attack, taking into account US concerns. [ft.com]
  • The US and UK have made clear that they will not participate in any retaliatory strike by Israel. [ft.com]
  • The EU foreign ministers are meeting to discuss the consequences of Iran’s direct attack on Israel, with the main concern being de-escalation and ensuring no further escalation. [dw.com]
  • The EU and the G7 do not have direct influence over Iran or Israel, and it is possible that Israel will ignore the good advice for de-escalation. [dw.com]
  • The Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern about the possibility of Israel targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in retaliation. [aljazeera.net]
  • Iranian officials have cautioned Israel against further actions and asserted Iran’s right to defend itself, hinting at the possibility of a severe response. [economictimes.indiatimes.com]
  • China’s top diplomat reaffirmed China’s support for Iran, a “comprehensive strategic partner,” and called for the implementation of a UN Security Council resolution. [newsweek.com]
  • The US, European, and Arab intelligence officials confirmed that Russia’s pledge to provide Iran with advanced fighter jets and air defense technology could bolster Iran’s defenses against potential Israeli attacks. [aljazeera.net]

What is Arab media saying?

  • The White House described Iran’s attack on Israel as a “disastrous and embarrassing failure”, while the US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the attack was “clearly false” and that Iran had intended to fail. [aawsat.com]
  • Russia has promised to provide technical support for Iranian spy satellites and assist in building missiles to launch more Iranian satellites into space, as part of a broader cooperation that includes the joint production of drones within Russia and the exchange of counter-jamming technology. [aljazeera.net]
  • The Iranian government informed the IAEA inspectors in Iran on Sunday that all the nuclear facilities under inspection “will remain closed for security reasons”, and the IAEA Director-General stressed the need for both parties to exercise “maximum restraint”. [aljazeera.net]

What is Israeli media saying:

  • Former Minister and Knesset member Matan Kahana stated that there is a consensus on how to respond to Iran’s attack on Israel, but the specifics of when and how need to be decided based on Israel’s needs. [maariv.co.il, ynetnews.com]
  • The Iranian attack on Israel on April 13-14 involved not just Iran but also Iran’s proxies, such as Hezbollah and the Yemenite Houthis, who were operationalized to simultaneously carry out the attacks. [jpost.com]
  • Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani that any action by Israel or its allies against Iran’s interests will be met with a “severe, extensive and painful response”. [timesofisrael.com]

Sources:

  • Financial Times
  • Deutsche Welle (DW)
  • Newsweek
  • India Times
  • The Times of Israel
  • Ynetnews
  • Al Jazeera
  • Ma’ariv
  • The Jerusalem Post
  • Asharq Al-Awsat