Amid escalating tensions in Iran, Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom urge moderation in the Middle East

Although Israel has not claim credit for the airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Iran has pledged to react against Israel.

Russia, Germany, and Britain all called for moderation, highlighting the need to prevent further escalation in the Middle East as tensions rise in response to Iranian threats against Israel.

Citing security concerns, German airline Lufthansa—one of the few Western airlines operating to Tehran—announced an extension of its suspension of flights to the Iranian capital. Russia raised concerns about the unstable situation in the Middle East by advising against traveling there as well.

Relations in the area have become even more strained following the recent airstrike on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus, which claimed the lives of six military officers including a senior Iranian general. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised revenge for the incident, saying that Israel “must be punished and it shall be” and that the airstrike was an attack on Iranian soil, despite the fact that Israel has not taken credit for it.

In reaction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” underscoring Israel’s resolve to protecting its security interests. Both offensively and defensively, we are ready to meet all of the State of Israel’s security needs.

Iran has informed Washington that it intends to react to the strike in a way that will not cause a significant escalation of events.

Yoav Gallant, the Israeli minister of defense, emphasized the possibility of more fighting in the area while restating Israel’s willingness to take direct action in response to any Iranian assault. Growing tensions have prompted attacks from other fronts, including Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq, while militants backed by Iran have professed their support for the Palestinians.