Oman, Egypt call for de-escalation as US, Israel strike Iran

ISTANBUL

Oman and Egypt on Saturday voiced concern after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, urging restraint and a return to diplomatic solutions.

In a statement, Oman’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep regret over the US-Israeli military operations against Iran, warning of the risk of the conflict expanding across the region.

The ministry called on the UN Security Council to convene urgently to push for a ceasefire and uphold international law, while stressing the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means and reaffirming the right of states to self-defense under international law.

Meanwhile, Egypt said it was “deeply concerned” over what it described as a dangerous escalation that could widen the scope of the conflict.

In a statement, Cairo warned that continued military actions risk plunging the region into broader instability with serious repercussions for regional and international security.

Both countries emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path to preventing further deterioration.

The remarks came after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran early Saturday, claiming it was meant to remove “threats” posed by the Iranian “regime.”

Separate video statements were released by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, which also hinted at supporting efforts for a change in government in Tehran.

Iran termed the strikes a violation of sovereignty, vowed to respond and launched retaliatory strikes.