Iran, Israel must de-escalate conflict immediately: UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper
London, June 8
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Monday urged Israel and Iran to de-escalate conflict following Tehran's missile attacks on northern Israel.
In a post on X, Cooper wrote, "The resumption of conflict between Iran and Israel is in no one's interest. Both sides must show restraint and de-escalate immediately. Negotiations must continue towards the lasting settlement that we all need, for peace and stability in the region, and for the full restoration of global trade."
Iran launched missiles at Israel on Monday, marking the first Iranian missile attack since the April 8 ceasefire.
"Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated.
No casualties or damage have been reported so far from the attack,according to the euro news.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) confirmed that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel, with defense systems actively intercepting the threat and the Home Front Command issuing safety directives to the public.
"The IDF has identified that a short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defense systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed a preliminary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas. The public is requested to exercise responsibility and act in accordance with the directives - they save lives. Upon receiving the alert, one must enter protected spaces and remain in them until a new announcement. Exit from the protected space will be permitted only after receiving an explicit directive; continue to act in accordance with the Home Front Command's directives," IAF wrote on X.
On Sunday, Israel struck terrorist headquarters in the Dahieh district of Beirut after Hezbollah fired at their territory.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Yvette Cooper's statement is well-intentioned but seems like a photocopy of every Western statement on Middle East conflicts. "Both sides must show restraint"—while Iran fires missiles and Israel retaliates. Global trade? Please, people's lives are at stake. We need strong UN intervention, not just tweets.
As someone who's traveled to both Iran and Israel, this is heartbreaking. The civilians on both sides just want peace. But the rhetoric from Tehran and Tel Aviv keeps escalating. Where's the India-like approach of dialogue? We need more of that and less missile talk.
I appreciate the UK's concern, but they're not exactly neutral here—they're a key ally of Israel. Meanwhile, India has maintained balanced ties with both nations. We should advocate for de-escalation without taking sides. And yes, global trade matters because fuel prices affect our auto-rickshaw drivers too! 😅
Yvette Cooper's statement feels hollow when her government continues to supply arms to Israel. Actions speak louder than X posts. That said, as someone from a country that has faced terrorist attacks, I understand Israel's security concerns. But endless retaliation won't solve anything—ask us about Kashmir.
"Lasting settlement" sounds nice but what does that even mean for the people on the ground? Iran's missile attack is reckless, but Israel's killing of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon fuels this cycle. India has shown that diplomacy can work—remember our role mediating with Russia and Ukraine? Come on, world leaders, step up.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.