The international reaction to US strikes on Iran has been swift and sharply divided. Several close U.S. allies urged a return to the negotiating table following the American bombardment of three Iranian nuclear sites, which many fear could ignite a wider conflict. Others- including regional powers and Iran-aligned groups- condemned the move outright, while some governments expressed concern without taking a firm stance.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the damage as “monumental” after the airstrikes, though full assessments are still pending. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by declaring that the U.S. had “crossed a very big red line,” stating that the time for diplomacy was over and Iran had the right to defend itself.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the United States.
“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 warned.
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”
United Kingdom and the EU
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East and called for a diplomatic resolution, saying Iran’s nuclear ambitions remained a global security threat.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said.
The UK, France, Germany and the EU attempted but failed to mediate a diplomatic solution with Iran in Geneva last week. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also urged restraint and a return to talks.
Russia
Deputy Security Council head Dmitry Medvedev claimed some countries may now be willing to provide Iran with nuclear weapons, and said the U.S. strike caused “minimal damage”.
The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a “gross violation of international law” and the UN Charter.
Middle East reactions
- Iraq called the strikes a serious threat to regional security, warning of a dangerous escalation.
- Egypt’s President el-Sissi warned of “grave repercussions” and called for renewed negotiations.
- Saudi Arabia expressed “deep concern” but did not directly condemn the US.
- Qatar urged restraint, noting the region could not bear more conflict.
- Lebanon’s President Aoun warned of a conflict “no country could bear,” and said Lebanon was unwilling to “pay more” for wars it did not start.
Iran-aligned groups
- Hamas and the Houthi rebels both condemned the strikes.
- The Houthis called on Muslim nations to join the resistance, accusing the U.S. and Israel of “arrogance”.
Asia-Pacific
- Pakistan criticised the strikes as a “deeply disturbing” escalation, days after nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
- China condemned the attacks as violations of international law and called for immediate de-escalation.
- Japan, Thailand and Vietnam all expressed concern and called for peaceful dialogue.
Australia
Foreign Minister Penny Wong backed the strikes, stating:
“We support action to prevent Iran getting a nuclear weapon and that is what this is.”
She added, however, that Australia continues to hope for de-escalation and diplomacy.
Latin America
Iran-aligned Venezuela, along with Colombia, Chile and Mexico, condemned the strikes as dangerous and illegal.
In contrast, Argentina’s President Javier Milei, a vocal Trump supporter, praised the attacks and declared: “Terrorism, never again.”
The Vatican
Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace during Sunday Angelus prayers at St. Peter’s Square:
“Today more than ever, humanity cries out and invokes peace… this is a cry that demands reason and must not be stifled.”
He urged leaders to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”
Summary
The international reaction to US strikes on Iran reveals a fractured global response. While some leaders support the aim of stopping nuclear proliferation, others warn the strikes could trigger a regional or global conflict. Nearly all agree, however, that diplomacy must be prioritised before the situation spirals further out of control.
Also read: Trump orders airstrikes on Iran, destroying nuclear facilities
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