(NewsNation) — From London to Los Angeles, national and local officials are sharing their opinions about Iran’s attack on Israel, and how their jurisdictions are responding.
“I strongly condemn the serious escalation represented by the large-scale attack launched on Israel by Iran,” said United Nations Secretary-General Antonia Guterres. “I call for an immediate cessation of these hostilities. Neither the region nor the world can afford another war.”
“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,” said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. In a written statement, he said “The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all of our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.”
The United Nations Security Council will hold a meeting Sunday afternoon. A diplomat tells Reuters that Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. requested the gathering.
Many leaders posted their condemnations on X, including Austria’s Prime Minister Karl Nehammer.
“Iran‘s attack on Israel is to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Austria is firmly committed to Israel‘s security and we call on Iran for immediate stop of hostilities.” he wrote.
From Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “We follow the events in the Middle East with utmost concern. A regional escalation must be avoided at all costs.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said “These attacks demonstrate yet again the Iranian regime’s disregard for peace and stability in the region. We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks.”
While not condemning any party, Saudia Arabia issued a statement expressing “deep concern.” It also urges all sides “to exercise maximum restraint and to protect the region and its people from the dangers of war.”
“Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss urgent regional threats and reiterated unwavering U.S. support for Israel’s defense,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
“Secretary Austin made clear that Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any attacks by Iran and its regional proxies,” said Ryder.
Also on X, Tennessee Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said “Never back down to terrorists. Stand with Israel.”
Former President Donald Trump issued a short, terse statement on Truth Social: “ISRAEL IS UNDER ATTACK! This should never have been allowed to happen – This would NEVER have happened if I were President!”
Later at a rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, he said “God bless the people of Israel. They’re under attack right now. That’s because we show great weakness … and it would not have happened if we were in office.”
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement saying “as Israel faces this vicious attack from Iran, America must show our full resolve to stand with our critical ally. The world must be assured: Israel is not alone.”
From coast to coast, U.S. cities are on alert. The Los Angeles Police Department posted on X that it’s received no credible threats, “we are committed to ensuring safeguards to houses of worship and sensitive areas throughout all communities in Los Angeles.”
In Miami Beach, Florida, which has a large Jewish population, police have stepped up patrols.
“We have strategically increased the presence of uniformed personnel throughout the city, including cities of worship and educational institutions,” the department said in a statement.
Israel’s foreign ministry noted the outpouring of support, posting on its X account: “We are grateful for all of the messages of support we are receiving from allies and partners around the world. Thank you for your solidarity.”