ROME: The Group of Seven (G7) nations on Wednesday vowed to work together to reduce tensions in the Middle East and said a diplomatic solution to prevent widening conflict “is still possible”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — whose country holds the G7 presidency this year — called a telephone meeting of the body. The telephonic meeting came in response to Iran’s direct missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, which has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
In a statement released by the Italian government, it was noted that the situation in the Middle East is “constantly evolving,” necessitating collaborative efforts to de-escalate tensions. “In a constantly evolving scenario, it was agreed to work together to promote a reduction of tensions at the regional level,” said the statement.
The leaders expressed strong concern over the recent escalation of violence and reiterated their belief that a larger conflict would serve no party’s interests.
“In expressing strong concern for the escalation of these last hours, it was reiterated that a conflict on a regional scale is in no one’s interest and that a diplomatic solution is still possible,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Israeli government is reportedly considering major strikes on Iranian oil refineries and other strategic sites in retaliation to a massive ballistic missile barrage launched by Tehran on Tuesday night, US media outlets reported on Wednesday. The Iranian attack involved around 180 ballistic missiles targeting various locations in Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting late Tuesday to discuss potential military actions in response to the Iranian offensive.
According to reports from the US news site Axios, Israeli officials are considering a “significant retaliation” within days, which could include attacks on Iranian oil production facilities and other strategic sites.
The decision-making process is being coordinated with US officials to ensure operational support and defensive cooperation from US Central Command.
“There will be severe consequences for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Tuesday evening.
Netanyahu made it clear that Iran would face serious repercussions for its actions, asserting, “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.” He emphasized Israel’s determination to defend itself and retaliate against threats.
US lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have voiced support for a robust response, urging the Biden administration to work closely with Israel to “hit Iran’s ability to refine oil” as part of a broader retaliatory strategy.
In the wake of the missile attacks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they would reinforce their presence in southern Lebanon as part of their largest military operation in the area since the 2006 war with Hezbollah.
The IDF stated that the 36th Division, comprising troops from three brigades, would join ongoing targeted operations against Hezbollah infrastructure.
Israeli media reported that around 100 rockets have been launched into Israel from Lebanon on Wednesday, with evidence of direct clashes between Israeli ground forces and Hezbollah fighters. Israeli airstrikes also targeted locations in Beirut, with reports of heavy smoke rising from the city.
