BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned lran against further attacks, and reaffirmed his country's strong support for Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East. 

“We strongly condemn the Iranian attack and warn against any further escalation. Iran must not continue on this path,” Scholz told reporters during his visit to China. 

“We will do everything we can to prevent further escalation and will therefore continue to pursue our current course. We can only warn everyone, especially Iran, against continuing this way,” he stressed. 

Iran conducted an airborne attack Saturday against Israel in retaliation for an April 1 airstrike on its diplomatic facility in the Syrian capital. Iran's Revolutionary Guards are said to have fired more than 300 drones and missiles, many of which were intercepted by Israeli air defense systems. 

“Fortunately, the Israeli air defense forces were largely able to repel this attack, supported by the US and partners in the Arab world,” Scholz said. 

“This is a good thing and something to be impressed by in terms of the efficiency of Israeli defense and air defense capabilities, as well as the cooperation with all partners,” he added. 

Germany remains one of the strongest supporters of Israel, and Chancellor Scholz has repeatedly said Germany bears special responsibility for the country because of its Nazi past.