The US launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, joining Israel’s war on Tehran to eliminate the country’s nuclear capabilities.
The strikes have sparked reactions worldwide, amid fears of the dangerous consequences of escalation that could drag the Middle East into a broader conflict.
Here is how the world reacted to the latest developments in the Middle East:
Donald Trump
The US President announced a “very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran,” which included dropping a “full payload of bombs” on the primary site of Fordo, he posted on Truth Social.
Trump also appeared in a televised address, saying: “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
He warned Iran against any retaliation to the US strikes. “Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not. Future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”
Abbas Araghchi
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the US attacks, threatening of “everlasting consequences.” On a post on X, Araghchi said: “The US has “committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.”
He added that “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
The Iranian top diplomat emphasized that Tehran has the right to respond. “In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” he noted.
Iranian Foreign Ministry
The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US strikes, accusing Washington of launching a dangerous war on Tehran, in complicity with Israel.
“The world must not forget that it was the United States, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, that betrayed diplomacy, encouraged the lawless and genocidal Israeli regime to ignite conflict, and now, completing the Zionist regime’s illegal and criminal path, has launched a dangerous war against Iran’s core sovereignty,” it said in a statement.
UN Secretary-General
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, voiced deep concern, warning of the dangerous consequences of military escalation.
“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security,” he said in a statement.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he added.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom expressed its deep concern over the US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, urging restraint to avoid more escalation.
“Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments” in Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the US,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The Kingdom reiterated its position on the Israeli attacks on Iran, strongly denouncing the violation of Iran’s sovereignty. It also emphasized the need to exert all possible efforts to “exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid further escalation.”
Moreover, Saudi Arabia urged the international community to “intensify efforts during such highly sensitive circumstances in order to reach a political solution that ends the crisis and opens a new chapter for achieving security and stability in the region.”
Egypt
Egypt expressed its grave concern over the recent developments in Iran. In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry condemned the rapid escalation that “portends serious consequences for regional and international security.”
It warned of the “dangers of the region sliding into further chaos and tension,” emphasizing that political solutions and diplomatic negotiations are the only path to resolve the crisis.
Oman
As a mediator in the US-Iran nuclear talks, Oman condemned the US attacks and called for immediate and comprehensive de-escalation.
In a statement, the Omani Foreign Ministry said that the US strikes “threaten to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law.”
Qatar
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said it “regrets the deterioration of the situation,” adding that it follows the developments with “grave concern.”
Moreover, Qatar underscored the “urgent need to halt all military operations and to immediately return to dialogue and diplomatic channels” to resolve the conflict.
Iraq
The Iraq government condemned the US attacks, warning of military escalation threats to the region.
“The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world,” Iraq’s government spokesman, Bassem al-Awadi, said in a statement.
Lebanon
The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, warned that the US strikes could spark a regional conflict.
“Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region. It is unwilling to pay more,” he wrote on X.
UK
The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, urged Iran to return to negotiations to resolve the crisis diplomatically, reiterating his position that Tehran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said.
EU
The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, urged for restrain while stressing that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow,” Kallas said in a statement on X.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US attacks, expressing “grave concern” over potential escalation in the Middle East.
“We reiterate that these attacks violate all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter. The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond,” it said in a statement.
China
Chinese state media condemned the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, saying the US is repeating its mistake in Iraq.
“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,” China’s CGTN broadcaster said in an opinion piece.
