Iran

Israel's armed forces chief has vowed to respond to Iran's unprecedented attack against the country, even after appeals for restraint poured in from world leaders fearing wider regional conflict, as the dire situation in Gaza worsens.

Asian stocks fell and oil prices climbed Tuesday on growing fears of a wider war in the Middle East after Israel's army chief vowed a response to Iran's unprecedented attack on his country at the weekend.

The Islamic world should increase its efforts to stop the Israeli brutality against Palestinian civilians in Gaza, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said, as Türkiye is ramping up its diplomatic push to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, in a meeting with Ghana's Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, condemned Iran's attacks on Israel, warning of regional destabilization. 

The United States military has undertaken a significant interception operation, intercepting and destroying over 80 attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles aimed at Israel from Iran and Yemen, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Monday.

Equities retreated on April 15 after Iran ramped up Middle East tensions by launching a barrage of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend, fuelling fears of a wider conflict in the volatile region.

However, analysts said there was hope among traders that the crisis could be contained.

That sliver of optimism helped drag oil prices lower.

World oil prices sank Monday as traders bet on de-escalation in the Middle East despite a strike on Israel by key crude producer Iran.

Brent and WTI prices shed one percent while global stock markets diverged.

Türkiye has engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at finding a resolution to the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, as well as addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with high-level meetings held between Turkish and U.S. intelligence and foreign ministers.

Russia has called for restraint from all parties involved following Iran's recent drone and missile attack on Israel. While expressing deep concern over the situation, Russia has refrained from publicly criticizing its ally Iran for the strikes.

The Central Board of Jewish Communities (KIS) and Greek Jewry have issued a statement condemning Iran's airborne attacks against Israel on Saturday and expressing solidarity with the people of Israel.

KIS emphasizes Iran's role as an "instigator of global terrorism," citing attacks by Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.