Brazil urges international effort to curb tension in Middle East

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday (Apr. 13) expressing “grave concern” at reports of Iran sending drones and missiles to Israel. The military operation, the note reads, has put neighboring countries on alert and requires the international community to take action to avoid an escalation in the conflict.

Tensions in the Middle East mounted after the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, was bombed on April 1. Seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard were killed, in addition to six Syrian citizens. Iran blamed Israel for the attack and promised to retaliate against Tel Aviv for the aggression.

Here is the full statement, originally published in Portuguese:

“The Brazilian government is observing with grave concern reports of Iran sending drones and missiles towards Israel, putting neighboring countries such as Jordan and Syria on alert.

“Since the beginning of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the Brazilian government has been warning about the destructive potential of the spread of hostilities to the West Bank and to other countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and now Iran.

“Brazil calls on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, and calls on the international community to mobilize efforts to prevent an escalation.

“The Brazilian government recommends that non-essential travel to the region should not be undertaken and that nationals already located in those countries should follow the guidelines published on the websites and social media of the Brazilian embassies.

“The ministry has been monitoring the situation of Brazilians in the region, particularly in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon since last October.”