G7 leaders condemn Iran, warn of risk of escalation
Source: Reuters
April 14, 2024 1:13 PM EDT Updated 2 hours ago
[1/2] G7 leaders discuss Iranian attack on Israel over a video meeting in this picture obtained from social media, Brussels, Belgium, April 14, 2024. Charles Michel via X/via REUTERS
ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Leaders of the G7 nations condemned Iran's attack on Israel and said on Sunday they would work to try to prevent an "uncontrollable regional escalation" in the Middle East.
Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7, had called a meeting of G7 heads after U.S. President Joe Biden pledged a coordinated diplomatic response to the unprecedented drone and missile attack launched overnight by Iran.
"With its actions, Iran has further stepped toward the destabilization of the region and risks provoking an uncontrollable regional escalation. This must be avoided," a statement issued by Italy said.
The G7 leaders, who spoke for just under an hour on a video conference, called for Iran to exercise restraint. "In this spirit, we demand that Iran and its proxies cease their attacks, and we stand ready to take further measures now and in response to further destabilizing initiatives," it said.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/g7-leaders-discuss-iranian-attack-sunday-video-call-2024-04-14/