The world has reacted with a mix of alarm and approval following the recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as diplomatic tensions in the region continue to rise.
International officials expressed serious concerns over the implications these strikes may have on regional stability.
The Saudi government voiced its worries, stating it was observing the events with ‘great concern’ and urged for urgent diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
Warnings also came from the governments of Iraq and Qatar, highlighting that the strikes risk exacerbating an already volatile environment.
Pakistan condemned the U.S. action, cautioning that it could have ‘severely damaging implications’ for the broader region.
Among Iran’s allies and regional proxies, the reaction was more aggressive.
Yemen’s Houthi movement characterized the strikes as a ‘cowardly’ act by the U.S., asserting that it was in support of ‘the Zionist entity.’
They pledged to continue their resistance, claiming the attack would only serve to strengthen Iran’s commitment to its regional partnerships.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that conducted the October 7 attack on Israel and has received Iranian support, condemned what it described as ‘blatant U.S. aggression.’
They asserted that this action poses a ‘direct threat to international peace and security.’
In stark contrast, the Israeli leadership celebrated the U.S. strikes as a long-awaited step to neutralize what they perceive as an existential threat posed by Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly thanked President Trump via a video message, indicating that the operation had been conducted ‘in full coordination’ with U.S. forces.
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described the U.S. decision as ‘a bold decision for the United States, for Israel, for all of humanity.’
Even those in Israel’s political opposition expressed support for the U.S. action.
Yair Lapid, head of the opposition in the Knesset, criticized detractors of the strike, labeling them as ‘useful idiots’ who fail to recognize the reality of Iran’s regime.
He commended President Trump and the American military for making ‘the world a safer place.’
European nations have taken a more measured response, navigating the situation with caution.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer seemed to offer conditional backing for the strike, stating that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
Starmer acknowledged the U.S. action as an attempt to ‘alleviate that threat,’ while simultaneously advocating for a return to diplomatic measures, emphasizing that stability in the Middle East remains crucial.
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, expressed concern upon learning of the strikes, reiterating that France was not involved and urging all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation.
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Iran to engage in immediate negotiations with both Israel and the United States.
Global responses continued to unfold, with the United Nations weighing in on the situation.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the U.S. strikes, labeling them ‘a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge.’
He cautioned that there could be ‘catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,’ and urged all parties to de-escalate.
The International Atomic Energy Agency, responsible for overseeing nuclear energy and opposing weaponization, announced it would convene an emergency meeting to discuss the situation, confirming no detectable radiation was present at the sites.
Russia’s response was also sharp, as the foreign ministry decried the U.S. actions as ‘irresponsible’ and a blatant violation of international law.
They warned that a dangerous escalation had begun, which could further undermine both regional and global security.
President Trump articulated the administration’s perspective by framing the strikes as a significant military and diplomatic achievement.
On social media, he reported the successful targeting of key Iranian nuclear sites, such as Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
Trump confirmed the U.S. objective was the ‘destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity,’ stating that these facilities had been ‘completely and totally obliterated.’
He emphasized that Iran must seek peace, warning that failure to do so would lead to even greater and more straightforward future attacks.
image source from：npr
