World leaders have offered a range of reactions following a series of coordinated U.S. military strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran early Sunday, Iran time.
According to Reuters, the developments have drawn sharp praise from allies and strong condemnation from adversaries, with many global voices calling for immediate de-escalation to prevent a wider conflict.
The strikes, authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The move marks a major escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions and has sparked concern over potential repercussions across the Middle East and beyond.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump’s actions, describing the strikes as a pivotal moment in global security.
“Congratulations, President Trump,” Netanyahu said in a recorded message. “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history… History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also voiced support for the U.S. intervention while urging Iran to return to diplomatic talks.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. The U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” he said. “The situation remains volatile and stability in the region must be prioritized.”
In a more cautious response, an Australian government spokesperson acknowledged the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program but called for restraint.
“The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi denounced the strikes as illegal and a violation of international agreements.
“The United States has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” he said on social media. “Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, warning of the consequences of continued hostilities.
“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge,” Guterres said. “There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba echoed these sentiments, calling for a swift de-escalation of tensions.
“We are closely monitoring the situation with grave concern,” he told reporters.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Latin American leaders also weighed in, with Mexico’s Foreign Ministry calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
“We urgently call for diplomatic dialogue for peace,” the ministry posted. “The restoration of peaceful coexistence among states in the region is the highest priority.”
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil strongly criticized the U.S. operation, alleging Israeli influence.
“Venezuela condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel,” Gil said on Telegram.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also spoke out, warning of global repercussions.
“The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences,” he wrote.
