In the wake of recent American strikes on Iran, several close U.S. allies have called for a return to diplomatic negotiations, fearing that these actions could spiral into a broader conflict. Concerns are escalating, particularly regarding the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear program, prompting diverse responses from governments and organizations worldwide.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would make a decision on U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran within two weeks. However, just days later, Washington conducted airstrikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites early on Sunday. As assessments of the damage continue, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the U.S. had “crossed a very big red line,” asserting that the time for diplomacy had ended and that Iran had the right to defend itself.
The international community has been reacting to the U.S. strikes with a mix of calls for de-escalation and condemnation of the military actions. The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed significant concern, stating he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the United States. He warned of the potential for rapid escalation, which could have catastrophic consequences for civilians and the region as a whole. Guterres urged member states to prioritize diplomatic solutions, emphasizing that “there is no military solution” to the ongoing crisis.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer also called for Iran to re-engage in diplomatic negotiations to resolve the situation, highlighting the importance of stability in the region. The UK, alongside the European Union, France, and Germany, had previously attempted to facilitate dialogue with Iran in Geneva but were unsuccessful. Starmer condemned the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, stating that it was critical to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and acknowledged the U.S. actions aimed at mitigating that threat.
In stark contrast, Russia’s response was one of strong condemnation. Dmitry Medvedev, serving as deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, mentioned that multiple countries are ready to provide nuclear weapons to Tehran. Without detail, he commented that the U.S. attack inflicted minimal damage and would not deter Iran from continuing its nuclear pursuits. Additionally, Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the U.S. airstrikes as a “gross violation of international law” and of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
The Iraqi government expressed similar disapproval, asserting that the U.S. military escalation constitutes a significant threat to peace and security across the Middle East. Government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi stated that such attacks could provoke dangerous escalations with consequences that extend beyond national borders, destabilizing the entire region.
Saudi Arabia, while voicing “deep concern” over the strikes, refrained from outright condemnation. The Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the need for restraint and de-escalation to avert further military escalation. Earlier, Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders, indicating a complex web of regional alliances and conflicts.
Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, shared regret over the rising tensions resulting from the strikes. Its Foreign Ministry called for restraint among parties involved, emphasizing the unbearable humanitarian crises that conflicts have imposed on the region’s populations. Qatar continues to play a role as a mediator in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, reflecting its strategic diplomatic positioning.
Groups with links to Iran, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas, condemned the U.S. airstrikes vehemently. The Houthi political bureau issued a statement urging Muslim nations to unite against what they term “Zionist-American arrogance,” illustrating the interconnected nature of regional conflicts linked to Iranian influence.
In Lebanon, President Joseph Aoun warned that U.S. bombing could instigate a regional conflict that would bring unbearable costs. He called for negotiations, highlighting that Lebanon is acutely aware of the price it has paid for past wars.
Pakistan’s government characterized the U.S. strikes as “deeply disturbing,” particularly poignant given Pakistan’s recent nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize due to his diplomatic efforts regarding the India-Pakistan crisis. Their statement denounced the actions as violations of international law, affirming Iran’s right to self-defense under the U.N. Charter.
China echoed this sentiment, condemning the U.S. strikes as a serious violation of international law, which exacerbated tensions in the Middle East. The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all involved parties to pursue dialogue and implement a cease-fire. China emphasized its willingness to collaborate with the global community to restore peace and stability in the region.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief Jaja Kallas reiterated the imperative that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon while concurrently urging all parties to exercise restraint. Kallas called for immediate steps back to the negotiating table to avert further escalation of the conflict.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani acknowledged the seriousness of Iran’s nuclear facilities as a threat to regional security. Despite this, he expressed hope that the attacks could prompt de-escalation and lead to renewed negotiations.
President Antonio Costa of the European Council conveyed alarm regarding the bombings, imploring all parties to adhere to international law and heed nuclear safety considerations. Costa underscored the human cost of conflict, stating that too many civilians could suffer if escalation continues. He pledged that the EU will persist in its efforts to engage all relevant parties to seek a peaceful resolution.
The Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that a national security council meeting would be convened to discuss the implications of the U.S. strikes, characterizing the airstrikes as a troubling escalation of tensions.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the crucial need for swift action to calm the situation, although he refrained from commenting directly on whether he supported the U.S. attacks. He did highlight the importance of preventing Iranian developments of nuclear weapons.
Lastly, Pope Leo XIV made an impassioned appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square. He highlighted the alarming situation in Iran and called for international diplomacy to silence weapons. Emphasizing humanity’s call for peace, he urged all members of the international community to act with moral responsibility to end the war and avoid deeper crises.
As international reactions unfold, the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic efforts remains precarious, with each response shaping the potential pathways to either escalated conflict or peaceful resolution.
image source from：abc7chicago
