Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, condemned Israeli attacks on Iran late Monday, calling for respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, good neighborly relations, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In contrast, the G7 expressed support for Israel and labeled Iran a source of instability in the Middle East.
In a joint statement, the 22 countries voiced their “great concern regarding this dangerous escalation, which threatens to have serious consequences on the peace and stability of the entire region.” They emphasized “the imperative need to halt Israeli hostilities against Iran, which come during a time of increasing tension in the Middle East, and to work towards de-escalation, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire and restoration of calm.”
The statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, the Gambia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and the Union of the Comoros.
Stressing the importance of ridding the Middle East of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in line with relevant international resolutions and without exception, the statement also urged all regional states to swiftly join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Nuclear facilities under the International Atomic Energy Agency's safeguards must not be targeted, in accordance with IAEA and UN Security Council resolutions, said the ministers. They also called for a swift return to negotiations, which they described as “the only viable means to reach a sustainable agreement regarding the Iranian nuclear program.”
The statement also underlined the need to respect freedom of navigation in international waterways, in line with international law, and to avoid undermining maritime security.
In stark contrast, the G7 expressed support for Israel's offensive that began last Friday, calling Iran “the principal source of regional instability and terror.” In a statement issued late Monday, the group called for peace and stability in the Middle East and affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense.
The G7 opposed any Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons, stating: “We have been consistently clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” The statement also highlighted “the importance of the protection of civilians.”
US President Donald Trump left the G7 meeting and returned to Washington one day before the summit’s conclusion, as Israel and Iran continued exchanging missile fire for the fifth consecutive day.
The Israeli military launched Operation “Rising Lion,” describing it as a “preemptive strike” targeting Iran’s nuclear program and other military objectives early Friday.
Iran retaliated the same day by striking dozens of targets, military bases, and infrastructure. Iran’s military claimed it had “successfully bombed Israel’s Ministry of Defense despite electronic jamming and interception attempts.”
A wave of Iranian missiles on Monday targeted multiple areas in Tel Aviv, including Nevatim Airbase, sites near the ammonia plant at Haifa Port, and the Haifa power station. Israel’s emergency services reported 100 injuries and five deaths across all locations hit.
Media outlets reported Monday that the death toll from Israeli attacks on Iran since Friday had reached 224, with 90% of the casualties being civilians.
The Israeli military announced a new wave of airstrikes in western Iran, destroying dozens of missile storage and launch facilities, including ground-to-ground and ground-to-air platforms belonging to the Iranian regime. Meanwhile, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini announced the launch of the ninth wave of “True Promise III” operations against Israel.
Tehran has publicly warned that its next wave of attacks would be “far more destructive” if Israeli aggression persists, indicating a deepening resolve to retaliate forcefully.
