Statement by Ambassador , UK Permanent
Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council briefing on
Iran's attack against Israel, Sunday 14 April 2024.
"The United Kingdom condemns unequivocally Iran's reckless attack
against Israel, which risked thousands of civilian casualties.
The scale and nature of Iran's heinous assault – the first direct
attack from Iran on Israeli soil - poses grave risks to the
security and stability of citizens across the Middle East.
The United Kingdom has long been clear that Iran plays an
unacceptable role in destabilising the region, and that it also
bears responsibility for the actions of the groups it has
supported militarily, financially, and politically over many
years. Through this attack, Iran has once again demonstrated
that it is intent on sowing chaos in the region.
As we have demonstrated, the United Kingdom will continue to
stand up for Israel's security, and that of all our regional
partners, including Jordan and Iraq. We welcome the actions of
our allies to deter the Iranian threat.
No one wants to see further bloodshed. The United Kingdom is also
continuing to work urgently alongside the international community
to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. It is
vital that all parties exercise maximum restraint and refrain
from any action that may heighten tensions further in the region.
We also call on Iran to release the MSC Aries and its crew
unconditionally and without delay.
Iran's actions do nothing to advance the prospects for peace in
Israel and Gaza. As set out in Security Council resolution 2728,
the United Kingdom remains resolved to work with international
partners to secure an immediate pause in the fighting in Gaza to
get aid in and hostages out, leading to a sustainable ceasefire
without a return to destruction, fighting and loss of life."
