Itamaraty again cites “serious concern” after attack in Iran

The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated this Friday (April 19, 2024) that it follows “with grave concern” the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement was released after, in retaliation, the Israeli government launched attacks against Iranian territory on Thursday night (18 April).

“Brazil calls on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and calls on the international community to mobilize efforts to avoid escalation,” said the note from Itamaraty (read the full text below).

This is the 2nd time that the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) has spoken out about the situation. However, he avoided condemning the actions of the 2 countries.

After Iran’s attack on Israel, on April 13, the government published a note saying that Itamaraty had been warning about the “the destructive potential of the spread of hostilities to the West Bank and to other countries, such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and, now, Iran”.

On Monday (April 15), Chancellor Mauro Vieira was asked about the more moderate tone used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to refer to Iran’s attack against Israel, different from when the Israeli government bombed the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, in Syria, in early April.

Even without releasing a new statement, the head of Itamaraty has now minimized the difference between the two notes. He stated that at the weekend information would still be scarce.

“She [nota sobre o ataque do Irã contra Israel] It was done at night, at 11pm, when all the action started. And we expressed the fear that the matter, the beginning of the operation, could contaminate other countries. This was done at night, at a time when we were not clear about the extent and scope of the measures taken; and we have always appealed for restraint and understanding between the parties”said Vieira during an interview with journalists.

Here is the full note released by Itamaraty this Friday (April 19):

“Brazil continues to follow, with grave concern, episodes of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, this time with the report of explosions in the Iranian city of Isfahan.

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

“This appeal was transmitted directly by Minister Mauro Vieira to the Chancellor of Iran, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in a bilateral meeting held today at the headquarters of the United Nations, in New York.”

IRAN X ISRAEL

The April 13, 2024, Iranian attack was expected. The country had promised to retaliate against the Israelis for the bombing that killed 8 people at the Iranian embassy in Damascus (Syria), on April 1, including a Revolutionary Guard general. Countries blamed Israel, despite the country not taking responsibility, although in the international community it is taken for granted that the order came from Tel Aviv.

On April 18, Israel launched attacks against Iran in retaliation. The Israeli government had already stated that it would counterattack the country, in response to the approximately 300 drones and missiles launched towards Israel.

Next, read more about the attack and its reflexes:

• What did Israel say? – who will respond at the right time;
• What did Iran say? – who acted in self-defense;
• reactions around the world – the G7, a group with 7 of the largest economies on the planet, condemned the attack “unprecedented” and reinforced its commitment to Israel’s security;
• Brazil’s reaction – Itamaraty said it was monitoring the situation with “concern” and did not condemn Iranian action; later, Minister Mauro Vieira (Foreign Affairs) stated that the Lula government condemns any act of violence when questioned by journalists;
• Brazil disappointed – Israel’s ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, told Poder360 who was disappointed with the Brazilian note;
• Brazil got it right – for former minister and career diplomat Rubens Ricupero, Itamaraty got the tone right. Spoke to Poder360 that there are no reasons for the country “take a position on one side or the other”;
• non-oil impact – a possible war between Iran and Israel should increase the price of the commodity and pressure Petrobras to increase fuel;
• videos – see images of the Iranian attack.