Iran:
Ali Khamenei, the
Supreme Leader, vowed a harsh response to the attack. Khamenei's political advisor
Ali Shamkhani, said that the United States "remains directly responsible whether or not it was aware of the intention to carry out this attack".[1] Iran also sent a letter to the
United Nations Security Council, saying it "reserves its legitimate and inherent right to respond decisively".[2]
Israel:
Daniel Hagari, the
IDF spokesman, told reporters: "According to our intelligence, this is neither a consulate nor an embassy." He further added that the target struck was a "military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian structure in Damascus".[3]Yoav Gallant, the
Minister of Defense, said that "Israel is working to make it clear to everyone who acts against us, all over the Middle East, that the price for acting against Israel will be a heavy price."[4] Israel told the U.S. that if Iran were to launch an attack from its territory against Israel in retaliation, it would prompt a robust response from Israel, potentially escalating the current conflict to a higher intensity.[5][6]
Four anonymous Israeli officials have confirmed that Israel has been behind the attack.[7]
Syria: Syria's Foreign Minister
Faisal Mekdad condemned the airstrike, calling it a "terrorist attack" which had killed "innocents".[8]
Other countries
Afghanistan: The Taliban government condemned the attack on the consulate.[10]
Armenia: In a post on X (formerly
Twitter), Armenia's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it was "deeply concerned" over the attack, reiterating "the inviolability of diplomatic representations" and expressing sympathy for the victims and wounded.[14]
Brazil: According to a press release from Brazil's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brazilian government condemned the airstrike, while recalling "the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular missions" as stated by the
Vienna Convention, as well as respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity as stated by the
United Nations Charter. Brazil also expressed concern over a possible spread of hostilities in the region.[15]
Belarus: The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stating that it "not only violates international law" but also "undermines the basis and spirit of modern international relations, regional and international security".[16]
China: China condemned the attack, with the
Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Wang Wenbin saying: "The security of diplomatic institutions cannot be violated, and Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected".[17]
Cuba: In a post on X, Cuba's Foreign Minister
Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that his country "energetically condemns" the attack, describing it as a "flagrant violation" of Syria's sovereignty and international law.[18]
Ecuador: The UN representative of Ecuador condemned the attack, stating that it "runs counter to principles enshrined in international law" and that "[n]othing justifies these types of attacks".[9]
Egypt: In a post on X, Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesman for the Egyptian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the country rejects attacks on diplomatic premises "under any justification," while reaffirming respect for Egypt's territorial integrity and sovereignty.[19]
Guyana: The UN representative of Guyana stated that any attack against a diplomatic facility is "unacceptable and contravenes the fundamental safeguards established in international law".[9]
India: Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs
Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the attack,[20][21] and sent a message to Israel noting that all parties should avoid acting against the accepted norms of international law.[20]
Indonesia: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attack.[22]
Iraq: In a telephone conversation with Iranian President
Ebrahim Raisi, Iraqi Prime Minister
Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani extended his condolences on the victims of the attack, while stressing Iraq's condemnation of the "sinful aggression."[23]
Japan: The UN representative of Japan expressed concerns.[9]
Jordan: The foreign ministry condemned the violation of the international law.[25]
Kazakhstan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it a clear violation of the international law.[26]
Kyrgyzstan: The Foreign Ministry expressed concerns.[27]
Kuwait: Kuwait's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the country's "strong condemnation" of the attack, calling it a violation of international law. It also called on the international community to "bear responsibility" and make an effort to protect the region's stability and safety.[28]
Lebanon: The Lebanese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants condemned the attack, stating that the attack was a "breach of international law and a serious violation of the Vienna agreements for diplomatic and consular relations".[29]
Malaysia: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attack.[22]
Maldives: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a statement and sent condolescence to all those affected.[31]
Mauritania: In a statement, Mauritania's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "strong condemnation" of the bombing, while reaffirming the need to "respect diplomatic and consular premises and the sovereignty of States" in accordance with international law.[32]
Nicaragua: Nicaraguan President
Daniel Ortega and Vice President
Rosario Murillo offered their "heartfelt and deep condolences" in a letter addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader
Ali Khamenei and President
Ebrahim Raisi, while condemning what they called a "despicable and miserable act by the enemies of peace and life."[33]
Oman: Oman's
Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as a breach of Syrian sovereignty, international law and diplomatic and consular immunities, and calling for regional de-escalation.[36]
Pakistan: The Pakistani
Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, describing it as "an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria" which "undermines its stability and security."[37][38]
Philippines: The Philippine Embassy in Iran expressed "profound concerns" in a statement on behalf of the government.[39]
Russia: Russia strongly condemned the attack, with a statement issued by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing it as unacceptable.[42] During a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Russia's Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov offered his condolences, calling the attack a "political killing".[43] Russia also requested the
UN Security Council to discuss the strike.[44]
Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Arabian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the country's "categorical rejection of targeting diplomatic facilities for any justification, and under any pretext".[45]
South Africa: In a press release, the South African government conveyed its condolences to the victims of the bombing. It condemned the attack as "a flagrant violation of international law," as well as of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[46]
Sierra Leone: The representative of Sierra Leone in UN condemned the attack, stating that it breaches of the UN Charter, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.[9]
Slovenia: Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador
Samuel Žbogar condemned the attack in a statement.[47]
South Korea: The representative of the Republic of Korea in UN condemned the attack.[9]
Spain: In an interview with
Al Jazeera during his visit to the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sánchez described the attack as "unacceptable" and called on Israel to explain if it played any role.[48]
Switzerland: The UN representative of Switzerland condemned the attack, called for deescalation, and noted that any use of force "must strictly comply with international law", noting that diplomatic buildings must not be targeted.[9]
Tajikistan: The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack.[49]
Turkey: The Turkish
Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli bombing in a statement, while expressing concerns of regional escalation of the conflict and urging all sides to abide by international law.[52]
United Kingdom: The UN representative of the United Kingdom underlined the "importance of respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises and protection of diplomatic and consular staff for the proper conduct of diplomatic relations", but added that Iran's role in "destabilizing the region is unacceptable".[9]
United States: A spokesman of the
United States National Security Council stated that it had no involvement in or advance knowledge about the Israeli strike.[54] Israel had notified the US in advance that it would be operating in Syria, but did not identify the target.[55]
The Russian representative in the UN questioned this claim, noting that the US "always possesses information on any topic firsthand thanks to its intelligence capabilities. But surprisingly, Washington, D.C., has no confirmation regarding the attack against the consulate of Iran".[9]
Uzbekistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a "gross violation of the fundamental principles and tenets of international diplomatic law".[56]
Venezuela: In a post on X, Venezuela's Foreign Minister
Yván Gil expressed his country's "strong condemnation" of the bombing, as well as his solidarity with the peoples and governments of Iran and Syria.[57]
Vietnam: Vietnam condemned the attack, with
Foreign Ministry spokeperson Pham Thu Hang citing the
1961 Vienna Convention on the protection and respect of diplomatic representatives and facilities. The ministry did not directly mention Israel in its statement, but called on "the sides concerned" to refrain from violence and "settle differences by peaceful means".[58]
Arab League: The Arab League released a statement condemning the attack as a "blatant violation" of Syrian sovereignty. It also expressed concern over an escalation of the conflict in the region.[59]
European Union:
European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano released a statement condemning the attack, while expressing concern about any further escalations and urging "utmost restraint" in its aftermath.[60][61] EU foreign policy chief
Josep Borrell wrote on
X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken to Iranian Foreign Minister
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, reiterating the EU's condemnation of the bombing, while stressing "the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel" as well as the need to "avoid further escalation."[62]
GCC: General-Secretary
Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi denounced the attack, while stressing the importance of adhering to international laws, treaties and diplomatic immunities.[63]
OIC: Secretary-general
Hissein Brahim Taha strongly condemned the aggression, expressing solidarity with the people and government of Iran.[65][66]
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: The Secretary-General "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement and sent condolences to Iran, noting that the diplomatic institutions are inviolable.[67]
Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, noted that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected and urged for avoidance of further escalation.[9]
^Toàn, Vũ (6 April 2024).
"Vietnam condemns attack on Iranian embassy in Syria". VietnamPlus. Hanoi:
Vietnam News Agency.
Archived from the original on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024. Vietnam condemns the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria. All the buildings of diplomatic representative and consular offices must be respected and protected according to international law.
Iran:
Ali Khamenei, the
Supreme Leader, vowed a harsh response to the attack. Khamenei's political advisor
Ali Shamkhani, said that the United States "remains directly responsible whether or not it was aware of the intention to carry out this attack".[1] Iran also sent a letter to the
United Nations Security Council, saying it "reserves its legitimate and inherent right to respond decisively".[2]
Israel:
Daniel Hagari, the
IDF spokesman, told reporters: "According to our intelligence, this is neither a consulate nor an embassy." He further added that the target struck was a "military building of Quds forces disguised as a civilian structure in Damascus".[3]Yoav Gallant, the
Minister of Defense, said that "Israel is working to make it clear to everyone who acts against us, all over the Middle East, that the price for acting against Israel will be a heavy price."[4] Israel told the U.S. that if Iran were to launch an attack from its territory against Israel in retaliation, it would prompt a robust response from Israel, potentially escalating the current conflict to a higher intensity.[5][6]
Four anonymous Israeli officials have confirmed that Israel has been behind the attack.[7]
Syria: Syria's Foreign Minister
Faisal Mekdad condemned the airstrike, calling it a "terrorist attack" which had killed "innocents".[8]
Other countries
Afghanistan: The Taliban government condemned the attack on the consulate.[10]
Armenia: In a post on X (formerly
Twitter), Armenia's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it was "deeply concerned" over the attack, reiterating "the inviolability of diplomatic representations" and expressing sympathy for the victims and wounded.[14]
Brazil: According to a press release from Brazil's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brazilian government condemned the airstrike, while recalling "the principle of inviolability of diplomatic and consular missions" as stated by the
Vienna Convention, as well as respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity as stated by the
United Nations Charter. Brazil also expressed concern over a possible spread of hostilities in the region.[15]
Belarus: The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, stating that it "not only violates international law" but also "undermines the basis and spirit of modern international relations, regional and international security".[16]
China: China condemned the attack, with the
Foreign Ministry spokesperson
Wang Wenbin saying: "The security of diplomatic institutions cannot be violated, and Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity should be respected".[17]
Cuba: In a post on X, Cuba's Foreign Minister
Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla stated that his country "energetically condemns" the attack, describing it as a "flagrant violation" of Syria's sovereignty and international law.[18]
Ecuador: The UN representative of Ecuador condemned the attack, stating that it "runs counter to principles enshrined in international law" and that "[n]othing justifies these types of attacks".[9]
Egypt: In a post on X, Ahmed Abu Zeid, spokesman for the Egyptian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the country rejects attacks on diplomatic premises "under any justification," while reaffirming respect for Egypt's territorial integrity and sovereignty.[19]
Guyana: The UN representative of Guyana stated that any attack against a diplomatic facility is "unacceptable and contravenes the fundamental safeguards established in international law".[9]
India: Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs
Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over the attack,[20][21] and sent a message to Israel noting that all parties should avoid acting against the accepted norms of international law.[20]
Indonesia: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attack.[22]
Iraq: In a telephone conversation with Iranian President
Ebrahim Raisi, Iraqi Prime Minister
Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani extended his condolences on the victims of the attack, while stressing Iraq's condemnation of the "sinful aggression."[23]
Japan: The UN representative of Japan expressed concerns.[9]
Jordan: The foreign ministry condemned the violation of the international law.[25]
Kazakhstan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, calling it a clear violation of the international law.[26]
Kyrgyzstan: The Foreign Ministry expressed concerns.[27]
Kuwait: Kuwait's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the country's "strong condemnation" of the attack, calling it a violation of international law. It also called on the international community to "bear responsibility" and make an effort to protect the region's stability and safety.[28]
Lebanon: The Lebanese
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants condemned the attack, stating that the attack was a "breach of international law and a serious violation of the Vienna agreements for diplomatic and consular relations".[29]
Malaysia: The Foreign Ministry issued a statement denouncing the attack.[22]
Maldives: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in a statement and sent condolescence to all those affected.[31]
Mauritania: In a statement, Mauritania's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "strong condemnation" of the bombing, while reaffirming the need to "respect diplomatic and consular premises and the sovereignty of States" in accordance with international law.[32]
Nicaragua: Nicaraguan President
Daniel Ortega and Vice President
Rosario Murillo offered their "heartfelt and deep condolences" in a letter addressed to Iran's Supreme Leader
Ali Khamenei and President
Ebrahim Raisi, while condemning what they called a "despicable and miserable act by the enemies of peace and life."[33]
Oman: Oman's
Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as a breach of Syrian sovereignty, international law and diplomatic and consular immunities, and calling for regional de-escalation.[36]
Pakistan: The Pakistani
Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, describing it as "an unacceptable violation of the sovereignty of Syria" which "undermines its stability and security."[37][38]
Philippines: The Philippine Embassy in Iran expressed "profound concerns" in a statement on behalf of the government.[39]
Russia: Russia strongly condemned the attack, with a statement issued by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing it as unacceptable.[42] During a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Russia's Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov offered his condolences, calling the attack a "political killing".[43] Russia also requested the
UN Security Council to discuss the strike.[44]
Saudi Arabia: The Saudi Arabian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the country's "categorical rejection of targeting diplomatic facilities for any justification, and under any pretext".[45]
South Africa: In a press release, the South African government conveyed its condolences to the victims of the bombing. It condemned the attack as "a flagrant violation of international law," as well as of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[46]
Sierra Leone: The representative of Sierra Leone in UN condemned the attack, stating that it breaches of the UN Charter, the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.[9]
Slovenia: Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador
Samuel Žbogar condemned the attack in a statement.[47]
South Korea: The representative of the Republic of Korea in UN condemned the attack.[9]
Spain: In an interview with
Al Jazeera during his visit to the Middle East, Spanish Prime Minister
Pedro Sánchez described the attack as "unacceptable" and called on Israel to explain if it played any role.[48]
Switzerland: The UN representative of Switzerland condemned the attack, called for deescalation, and noted that any use of force "must strictly comply with international law", noting that diplomatic buildings must not be targeted.[9]
Tajikistan: The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack.[49]
Turkey: The Turkish
Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli bombing in a statement, while expressing concerns of regional escalation of the conflict and urging all sides to abide by international law.[52]
United Kingdom: The UN representative of the United Kingdom underlined the "importance of respect for the inviolability of diplomatic premises and protection of diplomatic and consular staff for the proper conduct of diplomatic relations", but added that Iran's role in "destabilizing the region is unacceptable".[9]
United States: A spokesman of the
United States National Security Council stated that it had no involvement in or advance knowledge about the Israeli strike.[54] Israel had notified the US in advance that it would be operating in Syria, but did not identify the target.[55]
The Russian representative in the UN questioned this claim, noting that the US "always possesses information on any topic firsthand thanks to its intelligence capabilities. But surprisingly, Washington, D.C., has no confirmation regarding the attack against the consulate of Iran".[9]
Uzbekistan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack as a "gross violation of the fundamental principles and tenets of international diplomatic law".[56]
Venezuela: In a post on X, Venezuela's Foreign Minister
Yván Gil expressed his country's "strong condemnation" of the bombing, as well as his solidarity with the peoples and governments of Iran and Syria.[57]
Vietnam: Vietnam condemned the attack, with
Foreign Ministry spokeperson Pham Thu Hang citing the
1961 Vienna Convention on the protection and respect of diplomatic representatives and facilities. The ministry did not directly mention Israel in its statement, but called on "the sides concerned" to refrain from violence and "settle differences by peaceful means".[58]
Arab League: The Arab League released a statement condemning the attack as a "blatant violation" of Syrian sovereignty. It also expressed concern over an escalation of the conflict in the region.[59]
European Union:
European Commission spokesperson Peter Stano released a statement condemning the attack, while expressing concern about any further escalations and urging "utmost restraint" in its aftermath.[60][61] EU foreign policy chief
Josep Borrell wrote on
X (formerly Twitter) that he had spoken to Iranian Foreign Minister
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, reiterating the EU's condemnation of the bombing, while stressing "the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel" as well as the need to "avoid further escalation."[62]
GCC: General-Secretary
Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi denounced the attack, while stressing the importance of adhering to international laws, treaties and diplomatic immunities.[63]
OIC: Secretary-general
Hissein Brahim Taha strongly condemned the aggression, expressing solidarity with the people and government of Iran.[65][66]
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: The Secretary-General "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement and sent condolences to Iran, noting that the diplomatic institutions are inviolable.[67]
Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Asia and the Pacific in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, noted that the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises and personnel must be respected and urged for avoidance of further escalation.[9]
^Toàn, Vũ (6 April 2024).
"Vietnam condemns attack on Iranian embassy in Syria". VietnamPlus. Hanoi:
Vietnam News Agency.
Archived from the original on 8 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024. Vietnam condemns the attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria. All the buildings of diplomatic representative and consular offices must be respected and protected according to international law.