While the world reacted to the news of the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, international authorities responded largely with alarm and calls for moderation — although some expressed praise.
Across the Middle East, reactions ranged from concern to condemnation. The Saudi government said it was following the events “with great concern” and called for urgent diplomacy.
The governments of Iraq and Qatar warned that the attacks risked destabilizing an already volatile region. Pakistan also issued a statement condemning the attack and warning of “severely detrimental implications” for the region as a whole.
Among Iran’s allies and regional representatives, the reaction was more forceful. Yemen’s Houthi movement described the attacks as a “cowardly” act by the US in support of the “Zionist entity.” The group vowed continued resistance, stating that the attack would only strengthen Iran’s commitment to its regional alliances.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that led the deadly attack against Israel on October 7, 2023 — and which received weapons and support from Iran — condemned the US “flagrant aggression” against Iran as a “direct threat to international peace and security”.
Cheers in Israel
In Israel, the attacks were welcomed as a long-awaited measure to eliminate what leaders described as an existential threat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump in a pre-recorded video message published Sunday morning, saying the operation was carried out “in full coordination” with US forces.
Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called the action “a bold decision for the United States, for Israel, and for all of humanity”.
Members of Israel’s political opposition also supported the US initiative. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, dismissed critics of the attack as “useful idiots” who fail to see the “cynicism” of regimes like Iran’s. “President Trump and the American military made the world a safer place last night,” Lapid wrote on X.
Measured response in Europe
The European reaction has been restrained so far, with most governments adopting a cautious approach in their responses.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to offer measured but conditional support for the attack.
“Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon,” Starmer said in a post on X, describing the US action as an effort to “alleviate that threat”.
At the same time, he called for a return to diplomacy. “The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority.”
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated on social media on Sunday that his country had taken note of the US attacks “with concern,” emphasizing that France was not involved.
He said France “urges all parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation that could lead to an expansion of the conflict”.
In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to “immediately initiate negotiations” with Israel and the United States.
Other global reactions — UN and Russia
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the use of force, calling the US attacks “a dangerous escalation in a region already on the brink of the abyss”.
Guterres warned of “catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world” and urged all parties to de-escalate.
The International Atomic Energy Agency — the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency, which promotes nuclear energy and opposes nuclear armament — said it would hold an emergency meeting on Monday “in view of the urgent situation in Iran.” The agency confirmed there was no detectable radiation and said it would provide further assessments.
Russia stated on Sunday that it “strongly condemns” the US bombings of nuclear facilities in Iran, classifying the attacks as “irresponsible” and a “grave violation of international law”.
“It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, full of new weakenings of regional and global security,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry added in a statement.
The Trump administration’s view
President Trump described the decision to join Israel’s offensive against Iran as a military and diplomatic success.
“We have concluded our very successful attack on the three nuclear facilities in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.
In subsequent remarks at the White House, Trump said the goal of the attacks was the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability” and claimed that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities had been “completely and totally destroyed”.
“Iran, the Middle East tyrant, now needs to make peace. If it doesn’t, future attacks will be much bigger and much easier,” he warned.
Source: npr.org