In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the United States has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, further intensifying tensions between Iran and Israel.
President Donald Trump announced the attacks late on Saturday, stating that the strikes had “obliterated” Iranian facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.
In his remarks, Trump warned of more strikes if Iran did not pursue peace.
Iran has confirmed the attacks, indicating that its personnel stationed at the nuclear facilities were evacuated prior to the airstrikes.
The U.S. strikes followed a week of military actions initiated by Israel against Iran, which had retaliated with missile attacks, leading to substantial casualties on both sides.
Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, responded to the bombings, asserting that they violated international law.
He emphasized that the United States, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, had committed a “grave violation” of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by targeting Iran’s nuclear installations.
Araghchi described the attacks as “outrageous” and warned that such actions would have lasting consequences, urging all UN member states to recognize the severity of the situation.
In support of the U.S. actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu applauded President Trump’s decision, stating that it would alter the course of history.
He proclaimed that Trump’s decisive measures had prevented the world’s most dangerous regime from acquiring the most dangerous weapons.
The global response to the U.S. strikes has been varied, with many countries and organizations condemning the action as a dangerous escalation.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the use of force by the U.S. against Iran, deeming it a direct threat to international peace and security.
Guterres remarked that the abrupt escalation could lead to uncontrollable consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.
He encouraged member states to de-escalate tensions and emphasized the need for diplomacy over military solutions.
The Palestinian militant organization Hamas condemned the U.S. strikes, characterizing them as a blatant act of aggression against Iran’s sovereignty.
Hamas condemned the actions as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law, standing in solidarity with Iran and expressing confidence in its capacity to defend itself.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group, similarly condemned the U.S. actions as “barbaric” and “treacherous,” asserting that the attacks represented a reckless escalation that could exacerbate the existing conflict.
The group warned that the U.S. aggression directly implicated it and Israel in a partnership against Iran and contributed to the broader instability in the region.
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned group in Yemen, also criticized the U.S. bombings, labeling them a clear violation of international laws.
In a statement broadcasted on Houthi-aligned Al Masirah TV, the group denounced American support for Israel and reiterated that such aggression would not dissuade Iran from pursuing its resistance agenda.
The Saudi Arabian government expressed its “great concern” following the U.S. strikes, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
In a statement released via the Saudi foreign ministry, the kingdom cautioned against further escalations and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Qatar aired its apprehensions regarding the potential ramifications of the U.S. airstrikes, highlighting the risk of catastrophic consequences at both regional and international levels.
Oman, which had been involved in mediating discussions between the U.S. and Iran, condemned the strikes, reinforcing its concern over the escalation in the region.
Iraq labeled the U.S. airstrikes a military escalation that threatened peace and stability, characterizing the incidents as a serious threat to security in the Middle East.
Russia’s response was strongly worded, with the deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, suggesting that other nations could enable Iran to acquire nuclear weapons in response to the U.S. attacks.
Russia’s foreign ministry expressed firm condemnation of the U.S. military actions, stating that they violated international law and the UN Charter.
China also condemned the U.S. strikes, asserting that they violated international norms and exacerbated regional tensions.
The Chinese foreign ministry urged all parties, especially Israel, to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue.
The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for Iran to return to negotiations, framing Iran’s nuclear program as a significant threat to international security.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, echoed sentiments for de-escalation and a return to negotiation, emphasizing the need to prevent further tensions.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged all parties to act with restraint and seek a negotiated solution, reflecting on the potential ripple effects of the current situation.
Chancellor Frederick Merz of Germany called for immediate re-engagement in nuclear talks, stressing the importance of a diplomatic resolution.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope for de-escalation following the U.S. attacks and a return to negotiation.
Switzerland emphasized the necessity for restraint and diplomacy while reiterating the importance of international law.
In the United States, top Democrats criticized Trump, arguing that he misled the nation regarding his intentions and failed to seek congressional approval for military action.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of putting the country at risk of entering a disastrous war.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) labeled the U.S. strike an “illegal and unjustified” act under Israeli pressure, whereas the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) commended the actions.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan expressed the need for rapid de-escalation, voicing concern over the ongoing conflict.
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) condemned the strikes as reckless and illegal, asserting that military action was not the solution to concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
Australia condemned Iran’s nuclear and missile programs as threats to global peace while urging for diplomatic resolution and dialogue.
New Zealand expressed its worries about ongoing military actions in the Middle East and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the tensions.
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urgently sought diplomatic dialogue for peace, reflecting the nation’s pacifist foreign policy values.
Venezuela issued a strong condemnation of the U.S. military aggression against Iran and demanded an immediate halt to hostilities.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel characterized the U.S. actions as a dangerous escalation violative of the UN Charter, while Chilean President Gabriel Boric termed the attacks illegal and a misuse of power.
Global reactions to the U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear sites reveal a widespread call for diplomacy, restraint, and immediate de-escalation amid burgeoning tensions within the region.
The potential ramifications of these strikes continue to loom large as diplomatic avenues are sought to prevent further conflict and ensure regional stability.
image source from：aljazeera
