The United States has launched air strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz — in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes on Saturday night, describing them as a success and warning of further action unless Iran agrees to a peace deal.
The global response has been swift, with nations and international bodies issuing statements reflecting a wide range of positions — from strong condemnation to cautious support and calls for de-escalation.
Iran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as a serious breach of international law.
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said.
He warned of “everlasting consequences” and reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and people.
Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US action.
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.”
“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the attacks.
“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”
He urged all parties to pursue diplomacy, warning of “catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world”.
Europe
Leaders across Europe emphasized diplomacy and restraint.
- France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot: “France is convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.”
- Germany’s Chancellor Frederick Merz urged Iran to resume talks, emphasizing coordination with EU partners.
- Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: “Now we hope that… a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table.”
- Pope Leo XIV: “Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable chasm.”
Russia and China
Both countries strongly opposed the strikes.
- Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the US actions a “flagrant” violation of international law.
- Deputy Security Council Chief Dmitry Medvedev mocked Trump, saying: “Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the U.S.”
- China’s Foreign Ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned the attacks for “seriously violating” the UN Charter.
Middle East
Reactions across the region were mixed but largely urged restraint.
- Saudi Arabia expressed “great concern” and urged all sides to avoid escalation.
- Qatar’s Foreign Ministry warned of “catastrophic consequences” from further conflict.
- Oman, which had been mediating US-Iran nuclear talks, condemned the US airstrikes.
- Iraq warned the strikes pose “a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East”.
- United Arab Emirates called for an immediate halt to the hostilities.
- Hamas, the Palestinian group, expressed solidarity with Iran and said: “The US aggression against Iran is a dangerous escalation… and a clear violation of international law.”
- Houthis: “We condemn and denounce the American aggression that targeted the Islamic Republic of Iran and its nuclear sites.”
Americas and Oceania
Leaders from the Americas and Pacific regions also weighed in.
- Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel: “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities… and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”
- Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accused the US of acting “at the request of the State of Israel”.
- Mexico’s Foreign Ministry: “We reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region.”
- Australia’s Government emphasized that the security situation was “highly volatile” and reiterated support for diplomacy.
- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters: “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Global Organizations and Activists
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: “Iran must never acquire the bomb… Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution.”
- ICAN Executive Director Melissa Parke criticized the strikes: “Given that US intelligence agencies assess Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, this is a senseless and reckless act.”
- US advocacy groups reflected the country’s division. CAIR said the attack was “illegal and unjustified,” while AIPAC welcomed the move and called for stronger US defense coordination.
As tensions rise and global powers weigh their next moves, the international community remains deeply divided — yet nearly unanimous in calling for restraint and the revival of diplomatic dialogue.