World leaders are expressing deep concerns and varied reactions following the United States and Israel’s coordinated military strikes on Iran, which occurred on Saturday morning. This significant escalation in tensions comes after weeks of heightened military presence by the U.S. in the region.
### United Nations Responds
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes, describing them as a “use of force” that jeopardizes international peace and security. He highlighted the need for all nations to uphold their obligations under international law, urging an immediate end to hostilities and advocating for de-escalation. In light of these developments, the U.N. Security Council has called for an emergency meeting, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, chaired by the United Kingdom.
### Diverse Global Reactions
European leaders have also expressed their apprehensions. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, articulated her concerns on social media, emphasizing the importance of ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any further escalations that could destabilize the global non-proliferation regime. Similarly, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, described the situation as “perilous,” balancing the need for civilian protection while condemning the Iranian regime’s violent actions and support for militant organizations.
In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—collectively known as the E3—expressed their longstanding concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional destabilization. While they firmly condemned Iran’s retaliatory actions, they refrained from endorsing or denouncing the strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized the military actions as unilateral and escalatory, demanding respect for international law and a return to diplomatic engagements.
Conversely, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the U.S. actions aimed at curtailing Iran’s nuclear capabilities and preventing threats to global security. He underscored Iran as the “principal source of instability and terror” in the Middle East, aligning with the view that the Islamic Republic must not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.
### Perspectives from Regional Powers
Russia has labeled the airstrikes as a “pre-planned and unprovoked act,” urging a return to diplomatic discussions. The Russian Foreign Ministry cautioned against a potential cycle of uncontrolled escalation while accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of exaggerating threats from Tehran’s nuclear program.
China, a close ally of Iran, expressed serious concerns regarding the strikes, emphasizing that Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson called for an immediate end to military actions, urging dialogue to restore peace and stability in the region.
In the Middle East, Oman’s Foreign Minister, who was mediating nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, expressed disappointment over the strikes. He cautioned that the U.S. should avoid being further entangled in what he called “not your war.” Leaders in Lebanon echoed similar sentiments, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warning against dragging the country into conflicts that threaten national security.
### Domestic and International Protests
As tensions rise globally, protests erupted in London, where demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to the strikes, while in Berlin, a demonstration supported the U.S. and Israeli military actions. These events underline the polarized reactions among the Iranian diaspora and international observers alike.
The situation remains fluid, with numerous nations closely monitoring developments as diplomatic efforts and military strategies are recalibrated in response to the ongoing crisis. International observers are calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation and mitigate humanitarian impacts.
Source reference: Full report
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