Middle East Crisis Reactions

Macron: Attacks violate international law

French President Emmanuel Macron condemns US and Israeli attacks on Iran, blaming Iran for them, AFP reports.

– The US and Israel took the decision to launch military operations outside the framework of international law, which we cannot support, he says.

However, he adds that Iran “bears the main responsibility for this situation” given its nuclear program, support for proxy groups in the region and the mass killing of protesters in January.

The president announces that France is sending its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean in response to the escalating situation.

French planes patrol airspace after attacks

French Rafale fighter jets are now patrolling the airspace of the United Arab Emirates to protect French bases in the country, CNN reports.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told BFMTV that the fighter jets had carried out operations above the bases, but did not say whether they had taken part in shooting down incoming drones or missiles.

France has been critical of the Iran war and President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attacks on Tuesday, saying they violated international law. As a result, France has moved military resources to the region and the Mediterranean.

A frigate and anti-aircraft guns will be sent to Cyprus to protect against Iranian attacks, after a British air base was hit. France will also send the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean in response to the escalating situation.

Spain's Sánchez stands his ground despite threats from Trump

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is standing his ground in his criticism of the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, despite Donald Trump's threat to stop all trade with Spain. This is reported by the AP.

“We will not participate in something that is harmful to the world and that also goes against our values ​​and interests, just for fear of reprisals,” Sánchez said in a televised appearance.

Trump’s threat came after Spain refused to let the United States use Spanish military bases during the attacks. However, it is unclear how it would practically work to stop American trade with Spain, since it is covered by EU-wide trade agreements, writes AP.