The leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom are ready to take defensive measures in the face of Iranian attacks. London has drawn up mass evacuation plans for British citizens in the Persian Gulf region.
German, French and British leaders declared themselves ready this Sunday for “necessary and proportionate defensive actions” in the face of Iranian responses, to “destroy at source” Tehran’s military capabilities.
“We will take measures to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region”, potentially preventing the Islamic Republic from firing missiles and drones, warned the E3 group, which brings together France, Germany and the United Kingdom, in a joint statement.
Tehran responded to the American and Israeli offensive that began on Saturday with attacks in all directions against several neighboring countries, particularly those that host American bases, and Israel, where nine people were killed on Sunday, according to emergency services.
European leaders say they are “dismayed” by these “blind and disproportionate” attacks affecting countries in the not involved in the initial military operation.
The attacks “targeted our close allies and threaten our military and civilian personnel throughout the region,” the statement added, ensuring that these defensive measures will be discussed with the United States and its allies in the region.
The United Kingdom announced today that it has drawn up plans for the mass evacuation of its citizens who are trapped in the Persian Gulf countries due to the suspension of flights, according to official British sources.
The possible evacuation was planned in case the cancellations of flights to the region continue, which, for now, are in effect until Monday, inclusive.
British authorities advise nationals in the region to remain where they are and continue to follow the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to registering their presence online for those who remain in the most affected countries: Israel, Palestine, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar, estimating that the total number exceeds hundreds of thousands.
On Sunday, Washington also reported the first American soldiers killed in the operation that led to the death of the Iranian supreme leader,
Iran sets “no limits” to its right to defend itself, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said today in an interview with the American television channel ABC.
“What the United States is doing is an act of aggression. What we are doing is defending ourselves. It is very different,” he insisted.
Iran has already confirmed the death of ‘ayatollah’ Ali Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader since 1989, and decreed a 40-day mourning period. According to the Iranian Red Cross, at least 200 deaths and around 750 injuries were recorded.
