Tensions across the Middle East surged after the United States launched airstrikes on three significant Iranian nuclear facilities—Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow—early Sunday morning on the orders of President Donald Trump.
The military action triggered a range of global reactions, underscoring deep international divisions over how to address the intensifying crisis.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the US operation, calling Iran’s nuclear ambitions “a grave threat to international security,” according to The Guardian. He emphasized that the US strikes were intended to neutralize that threat and urged Iran to return to the negotiating table.
Echoing this position, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy appealed to Iranian authorities to exercise restraint and resume diplomatic dialogue.
Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also called for calm, urging all parties to de-escalate tensions. “I call on all sides to step back and resume negotiations to prevent further conflict,” she posted on X. Kallas stressed that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and added that EU foreign ministers will discuss the issue on Monday.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also expressed deep concern, stating that Japan is “closely monitoring the situation with grave concern.”
In stark contrast, China and Russia condemned the US strikes in strong terms.
China’s foreign ministry, as reported by Xinhua, described the US military action as a “violation of the UN Charter and international law,” arguing that it further destabilized an already fragile region. The ministry also urged all parties, particularly Israel, to engage in de-escalation and renew diplomatic efforts.
Russia issued a similar response, calling the US strikes “irresponsible” and “a blatant breach of international law,” according to The Moscow Times. Moscow demanded an immediate end to hostilities and encouraged a return to diplomatic dialogue.
Iran has warned that the US airstrikes will have serious consequences, raising fears that the conflict could expand in an already unstable region.
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