The US surprise military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have drawn mixed reactions from world leaders, ranging from cautious support to outright condemnation.
__Germany’s Response
Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Iran to “immediately enter into negotiations with the US and Israel,” emphasizing that diplomacy remains the only path to peace.
Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius noted that Berlin believes the strikes inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
__France’s Stance
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that “no strictly military response can produce the desired effects,” stressing that resumption of diplomatic and technical discussions is the only way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Macron emphasized the need to avoid escalation.
__United Kingdom’s Reaction
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Iran’s nuclear programme as “a grave threat” and said the US action was justified.
“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis,” he posted on X.
__Australia’s Support
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong voiced support for Washington’s strike, saying it aimed to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons.
“We do not want to see escalation,” she stressed, while confirming preparations for evacuating Australians from Iran and Iraq.
__Israel’s Praise
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon called the US action “a righteous act” and said history had changed overnight.
“The United States removed the greatest existential threat facing the free world,” he told the UN Security Council.
__Iran’s Warning
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned French President Macron that “the Americans must receive a response to their aggression.”
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the strikes had “blown up any possibility of diplomacy,” warning of a decisive response.
__China’s Condemnation
China condemned the US strike, with its UN Ambassador Fu Cong saying Washington had “damaged its credibility as a diplomatic actor.”
Fu warned that the conflict “may go out of control” and called on Israel to cease hostilities immediately.
__Russia’s Criticism
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, accused the US of starting “a new war” that would strengthen Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s position.
The Kremlin condemned the strikes as reckless and violating international law.
__United Nations’ Call for Restraint
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the escalation and urged restraint from all sides.
He warned that continued hostilities could destabilize the entire Middle East and stressed the urgent need for diplomatic resolution.
__Qatar’s Urgent Call for Diplomacy
Qatar has called for an immediate return to diplomacy and warned of “serious repercussions” across the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to halt all military operations and return to dialogue to resolve tensions.