As the world reacted to news of U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, international authorities largely responded with alarm and calls for restraint — though 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 damaging implications” for the broader region.
Among Iran’s allies and its regional proxies, the reaction was more vehement. Yemen’s Houthi movement described the attacks as a “cowardly” act by the U.S. in support of the “Zionist entity.” The group vowed continued resistance, saying the attack would only strengthen Iran’s commitment to its regional alliances.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that led the deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 — and which has received weapons and support from Iran — said it condemned the U.S. “brazen aggression” against Iran as a “direct threat to international peace and security.”
Applause in Israel
In Israel, the attacks were welcomed as a long-overdue measure to eliminate what leaders described as an existential threat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Trump in a pre-recorded video message posted early Sunday and said the operation was carried out “in full coordination” with U.S. forces.
Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called the action “a bold decision for the United States, for Israel, for all of humanity.”
Members of Israel’s political opposition also backed the U.S. move. Yair Lapid, head of the opposition in the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, dismissed critics of the attack as “useful idiots” who cannot see through 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 so far been restrained, 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 be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Starmer said in a post on X, describing the U.S. action as an effort to “alleviate that threat.”
At the same time, he urged 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 said on social media Sunday that his country learned of the U.S. attacks “with concern,” emphasizing that France was not involved.
He said France “urges all parties to show 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 U.S. 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, which promotes nuclear energy and opposes nuclear weapons — said it would hold an emergency meeting on Monday “in light of the urgent situation in Iran.” It confirmed no detectable radiation and said it would provide further assessments.
Russia said Sunday that it “strongly condemns” the U.S. bombings of nuclear sites in Iran, calling the attacks “irresponsible” and a “grave violation of international law.”
“It is already clear that a dangerous escalation has begun, full of greater undermining of regional and global security,” Russia’s Foreign Ministry added in a statement.
The Trump Administration’s View
President Trump framed the decision to join Israel’s offensive against Iran as a military and diplomatic success.
“We have completed our very successful attack on the three nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.
In subsequent White House statements, Trump said the goal of the attacks was the “destruction of Iran’s nuclear capability” and that Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities had been “completely and totally obliterated.”
“Iran, the Middle East bully, must now make peace. If they don’t, future attacks will be much bigger and far easier,” he warned.
Source: npr.org