Allies and adversaries reacted sharply after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, calling the situation grave and urging restraint to avoid a wider Middle East war.
European Union
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the developments “greatly concerning,” stressing the importance of sanctions against Iran’s regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to ensure nuclear safety and uphold the global non‑proliferation regime. She reiterated the EU’s preference for negotiated diplomatic solutions and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and respect international law. EU foreign affairs high representative Kaja Kallas said she had spoken with Israeli and regional officials and that the EU is coordinating with Arab partners to pursue diplomatic paths. A European naval mission in the Red Sea was placed on high alert to help keep maritime corridors open.
United Nations
Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and warned it undermines international peace and security. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de‑escalation, saying failure to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians. The U.N. Security Council was convened for an emergency session.
Russia
Russia condemned the strikes, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of pushing the region toward humanitarian, economic and potentially radiological disaster. The Russian foreign ministry called for a return to political and diplomatic channels. President Vladimir Putin described the killing of Iranian leaders as a “cynical” murder that violated norms of morality and international law.
United Kingdom
A U.K. government spokesperson reiterated that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and said Britain supports efforts toward a negotiated solution. The U.K. did not participate in the strikes; Prime Minister Keir Starmer planned to chair an emergency ministerial meeting and said Britain stood ready to protect its interests in the region while seeking to prevent wider escalation.
France
President Emmanuel Macron warned the outbreak of war carries grave consequences for international peace and security and said France was ready to deploy resources to protect partners if requested. He urged the Iranian regime to engage in good‑faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs and regional destabilizing actions, and voiced support for the Iranian people.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney called Iran a principal source of instability and terror in the Middle East with one of the worst human rights records. He said Canada supports U.S. actions aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and further threatening international peace.
Oman
Oman’s foreign minister Badr Albusaidi, who had been mediating U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, said he was “dismayed,” lamenting that active negotiations had been undermined. He urged the United States not to become further embroiled, saying “this is not your war.”
Kuwait and Qatar
Kuwait condemned what it called a “heinous Iranian attack” and affirmed its right to defend itself in accordance with international law. Qatar described the strikes as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and an unacceptable escalation, calling for an immediate halt to escalatory actions, a return to dialogue, and efforts to contain the crisis to preserve regional security and stability.
North Korea and Cuba
North Korea denounced the U.S.-Israeli action as an “illegal act of aggression,” saying it revealed a “gangster‑like” nature of U.S. policy. Cuba condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, saying they violate Iran’s sovereignty and international law and undermine diplomatic efforts on the nuclear issue, and joined calls for an immediate stop to the aggression.
Across the globe, leaders and institutions emphasized the need to avoid civilian harm, uphold international law, and return to diplomacy to prevent the conflict from expanding into a broader regional war.