Reactions and statements from the international community
The Islamic Republic of Iran is bombing British territories of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which are NATO bases. Questions have been raised about whether NATO should respond to the attacks.
The price of Brent crude oil surged by 10 percent on Sunday, reaching around $80 per barrel, during the third day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Wholesale gas prices in the Dutch and British markets rose more than 25 percent on Monday, March 2, following Iran's warning to ships against passing through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a halt in oil and LNG shipments through the strategic waterway.
An Iranian man was observed smoking a hookah casually from his rooftop in Karaj while watching U.S. and Israeli military operations destroy Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facilities in the city.
The IRGC Intelligence Organization issued a statement expressing condolences for the death of former leader Ali Khamenei and warning that any disruptive movements or street riots will be treated as collaboration with the enemy and met with a firm response.
Overnight, US and Israeli air forces conducted extensive strikes on multiple locations in Iran, targeting the National Security Council headquarters, police stations, judiciary buildings, military training facilities, and IRGC bases in Tehran, Isfahan, Bandar Abbas Port, Chabahar Port, Abadan Oil Refinery, Ardabil, Urumiyeh, Qazvin, Ahvaz, Kermanshah, and Tabriz.
Homayoun Shamh, the Jewish representative in Iran's parliament, condemned the Israeli and American strikes that led to the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that the leader dedicated his life to managing state affairs for the Iranian nation.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that France expresses full support and solidarity with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, which were targeted by Iranian Revolutionary Guards' missiles and drones. France is prepared to participate in their defense in accordance with international agreements and the principle of collective self-defense.
Reuters reported a column of smoke rising near the United States Embassy in Kuwait, attributed to missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Mojtaba Yousefi, a member of Iran's Parliament Presiding Board, stated that despite the absence of key military leaders such as the Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Staff, and Minister of Defense, Iran is conducting defensive operations in more than five countries to retaliate against its adversaries.
Hezbollah, citing Al-Manar TV in Lebanon, reported launching attacks against Israel as "revenge for the blood of Ali Khamenei." In response, the Israeli army announced it has initiated attacks on Hezbollah-associated targets throughout Lebanon.
According to Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has initiated a new wave of missile attacks on countries in the Persian Gulf region.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated on X that Iran will not negotiate with the United States, denying reports of resumed indirect talks mediated by Oman.
