Japan Reacts to US Attacks on Iran
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More than 1,700 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran since conflict erupted between the Islamic Republic and Israel. Iran has long been a popular university destination for Muslim Indian students. They embarked on a precarious journey by road and air, facing long waits and uncertainty as the Indian government worked to bring them home. “We had very disturbing thoughts in our minds — what will happen to our degree? What will happened to our future? And most importantly, what will happens to our lives?” one student told CNN. He now faces uncertainty about his future as he still has two years of studying left and worries what could happen if the situation in Iran doesn’t stabilize.
Looking at the skyline as he drove through the streets of Iran’s capital Tehran, Indian student Sheikh Mohammad Azhan wasn’t admiring the view — instead, he was scanning for missiles.
“We would watch the sky, hoping no projectile would come our way,” the 22-year-old medical student told CNN. “We could see smoke all around the roads. We could see the city getting attacked.”
Sheikh, who is in his third year at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, is among more than 1,700 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran since conflict erupted between the Islamic Republic and Israel. Iran has long been a popular university destination for Muslim Indian students — drawn to the country by both affordability, and shared religious ties.
With Iran’s airspace closed, they embarked on a precarious journey by road and air, facing long waits and uncertainty as the Indian government worked to bring them home. Sheikh described feeling overcome with fear.
“We had very disturbing thoughts in our minds — what will happen to our degree? What will happen to our future? And most importantly, what will happen to our lives?” he said.
Sheikh’s journey out of Iran, which began last Monday, took about six days. He first boarded a bus arranged by the Indian embassy from the Iranian capital to the city of Qom, about 150 kilometers south. It’s a trip that normally takes about two hours, but took Sheikh nearly four.
Two days after arriving in Qom, students were asked to move again – this time nearly 1,000 kilometers east to the city of Mashhad, where they had planned to cross into Turkmenistan to continue their journey toward New Delhi. But uncertainty struck again.
There was some kind of issue near the border, like visas. “So we cannot go to Turkmenistan,” Sheikh said.
Two days later, they were told they would take a plane from Mashhad itself, on a “special flight” arranged by the Indian government. As they walked onto the plane, anxiety persisted as they were worried the plane could get attacked. “We were scared. What if they attack us too?” he said.
The flight from Mashhad to New Delhi took just over two hours. Students cheered and clapped as they landed in the Indian capital, video shared with CNN shows.
While out of the crosshairs, Sheikh – like many students evacuated – now faces uncertainty about his future as he still has two years of studying left and worries what could happen if the situation in Iran doesn’t stabilize.
“If I migrate from one country to another during my degree, it won’t be valid in India,” he said. “I’ll have to start from scratch. Three, four years of studying — and now we don’t even know what’s next.”
Japan Reacts to US Attacks on Iran
Shigeru Ishiba said it is crucial that there is a quick de-escalation of the situation in Iran. He refrained, though, from making a statement on whether Japan supports the US attacks there. There are around 200 Japanese nationals in Iran and approximately 1,000 in Israel. At the end of last week, 87 were evacuated from the two countries. On Sunday, another batch of 21 Japanese nationals departed Iran, arriving in Azerbaijan by bus. Trump described the attacks as a “spectacular military success”
Japan Refrains From Expressing Immediate Support for US Attacks on Iran
“We are gathering and analyzing information and closely monitoring developments with grave concern,” said Ishiba. “It’s paramount to calm down the situation soon.” He added, “Iran’s nuclear development must be blocked.” When asked if Japan backed the US attacks on Iran, Ishiba responded, “I will answer the question when appropriate.”
Earlier this morning, Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya released a statement, emphasizing the importance of US-Iran talks. He added, “the attacks on Iran by Israel on June 13th, and the subsequent attacks by Iran on Israel, resulting in an exchange of retaliatory attacks, are extremely regrettable… Japan believes that the most important thing, above all, is to de-escalate the situation as soon as possible.”
Trump Describes Attacks as a ‘Spectacular Military Success’
On Saturday evening, President Donald Trump announced via social media that US forces had struck three key nuclear sites in Iran. Addressing the nation from the White House later that night, he described the attacks as a “spectacular military success.” He also warned of “far greater” attacks if Iran fails to “make peace.”
Trump claimed the US air strikes completely “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear sites. However, a senior US official told The New York Times that the attack on the secretive Fordo nuclear facility — believed to be deeper underground than the Channel Tunnel — did not destroy the heavily fortified facility but severely damaged it. Israeli officials said likewise, adding that Iran had moved equipment, including uranium from the site.
Japanese Nationals Evacuated From Iran and Israel
With the situation becoming more precarious in Iran, Ishiba has instructed relevant ministries to take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals there and in Israel. According to Kyodo News, there are around 200 Japanese nationals in Iran and approximately 1,000 in Israel. At the end of last week, 87 were evacuated from the two countries. On Sunday, another batch of 21 Japanese nationals departed Iran, arriving in Azerbaijan by bus.
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World reacts to US attacks on Iran
The United States has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, further escalating the war between Israel and Iran. President Donald Trump said the US attacks “obliterated” the Iranian facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz. Iran acknowledged the attacks, saying its personnel working at the nuclear sites were evacuated before the attacks. The US strikes came more than a week after Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, which retaliated with missile attacks, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides. The Palestinian armed group Hamas said it condemned “in the strongest terms the brazen aggression of the United States against the territory and sovereignty of Iran” The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on member states to “de-escalate” and “uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law”. The attack comes against the backdrop of Israel’s supportive stances on the Palestinian cause and its support for jihad movements, the Houthi group said.
The United States has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, further escalating the war between Israel and Iran.
President Donald Trump late on Saturday said the US attacks “obliterated” the Iranian facilities in Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz as he threatened more strikes to eliminate the country’s nuclear enrichment capacity if Tehran “does not make peace”.
Iran acknowledged the attacks, saying its personnel working at the nuclear sites were evacuated before the attacks.
The US strikes came more than a week after Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, which retaliated with missile attacks, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides.
Here are some key reactions from around the world following the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites:
Iran
In his first public remarks after the strikes, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi accused the US of breaching international law.
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations,” Araghchi said in a social media post.
“The events this morning [Sunday] are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.”
He added that Iran “reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people”.
Israel
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised statement.
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“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
United Nations
“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today,” Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
“This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security”, he said, adding that there is a “growing risk” that this conflict could “rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world”.
Guterres called on member states to “de-escalate” and “uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law”.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
Hamas
In a statement, the Palestinian armed group said it condemned “in the strongest terms the brazen aggression of the United States against the territory and sovereignty of Iran”.
“The US aggression against Iran is a dangerous escalation, blind obedience to the occupiers’ agenda, and a clear violation of international law,” Hamas said.
“We declare our solidarity with Iran, its leadership, and its people, and we have full confidence in Iran’s ability to defend its sovereignty.”
Hezbollah
The Lebanese armed group condemned in the “strongest terms, the barbaric [and] treacherous” US attack on Iran.
“It constitutes a reckless, dangerous, and uncalculated escalation that threatens to expand the circle of war and push the region and the world toward the unknown if it is not stopped and deterrent measures are not taken,” Hezbollah said in a statement in Arabic.
“This aggression confirms the full and direct partnership between America and Israel in planning and execution, not only in the war against the Islamic Republic, but also in all the wars and crimes the region is facing, in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.”
“We believe that these attacks will not deter Iran from continuing its progress and development,” it added.
Houthis
The Yemeni Iran-aligned group slammed the US attack on Iran as a flagrant violation of all international laws and conventions, which represents a threat to regional and global peace and security.
In a statement on the Houthi-allied Al Masirah TV, the group said the attack comes within the US’s “unlimited” support to Israel.
“This aggression comes against the backdrop of Iran’s supportive stances on the Palestinian cause and its support for jihad and resistance movements against the Zionist entity,” the Houthis said.
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The group added that such aggression will not deter Iran from continuing its “path of resistance” against both the US and Israel.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia expressed its “great concern” following the US attacks, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with great concern the developments in the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran, represented by the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America,” the Saudi foreign ministry posted on X.
The kingdom “expresses the need to exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation”, calling on the international community to boost efforts in such “highly sensitive circumstances” to reach a political solution to end the crisis.
Qatar
Qatar says it fears serious repercussions after the US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.
The foreign ministry “warns that the current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels,” a statement said.
“It calls on all parties to exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation.”
Oman
Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran, has strongly condemned the US strikes.
The Gulf state “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the official Oman News Agency said.
Iraq
Iraq has warned the US attacks on its neighbour Iran’s nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East.
“This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability,” government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said.
Russia
The deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said several nations would be ready to provide Iran with nuclear weapons. He did not say which countries, but added the US attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Russia’s foreign ministry said it strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran.
“The irresponsible decision to subject the territory of a sovereign state to missile and bomb attacks, whatever the arguments it may be presented with, flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the ministry said in its statement.
China
The foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns” US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, that “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East”.
“China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation,” the ministry said on X.
“China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East,” it added.
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United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to return to the negotiating table and said that stability in the region remained a priority, according to a statement from Downing Street.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said in a statement.
European Union
The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” Kallas wrote on X, adding Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday.
France
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has expressed concern and urged “the parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation likely to lead to an extension of the conflict”.
In a statement on X, he added that France was “convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”.
Germany
Chancellor Frederick Merz has called on Iran to immediately re-enter nuclear talks with the US so there can be a diplomatic solution, according to government spokesperson.
“The Chancellor and security cabinet ministers will coordinate closely with their European Union and US partners throughout the day,” spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement.
Italy
“Now we hope that, after this attack, which caused massive damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region, a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table,” Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told state broadcaster RAI.
Switzerland
Switzerland has urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and immediately return to diplomacy, after the United States joined Israel’s war with Tehran by striking Iranian nuclear sites.
“Switzerland emphasises the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law,” the foreign ministry said on its website.
US Democrats
The top Democrat in the House of Representatives accused Trump of pushing the country towards war.
“President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization for the use of military force and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war in the Middle East,” Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement.
“Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action.”
US groups CAIR and AIPAC
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a US Muslim rights group, said the US attack is an “illegal and unjustified” act of war that comes under pressure from the “out-of-control” Israeli government, and despite the longstanding conclusion of the US intelligence that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon.
On the other hand, the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the powerful pro-Israel group in the US, praised the strikes ordered by Trump and said the US “must now work with our allies to protect our troops and regional interests against Iranian attacks”.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that it is crucial that there is a quick de-escalation of the conflict.
“We are closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern,” he said.
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ICAN
The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons says the US military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were “senseless and reckless”.
“By joining Israel’s attack on Iran, the US is also breaking international law. Military action against Iran is not the way to resolve concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme,” ICAN’s executive director Melissa Parke said in a statement.
“Given that US intelligence agencies assess Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, this is a senseless and reckless act that could undermine international efforts to prevent the further proliferation of nuclear weapons.”
Geneva-based ICAN won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its key role in drafting the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which took effect in 2021. Some 69 countries have ratified it to date, four more have directly acceded to the treaty, and another 25 have signed it, although none of the nuclear weapons states have come on board.
Australia
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” the Australian government spokesperson said.
“We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace,” he said, adding that the security situation in the region is “highly volatile”.
“We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” the spokesperson said.
New Zealand
“We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump’s announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” he said, adding that New Zealand “strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy”.
“We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Mexico
“The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict, Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on their X account.
“In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region,” the ministry said.
“The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority.”
Venezuela
“Venezuela Condemns US Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities,” Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a Telegram post.
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes,” he said.
Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly condemned the US bombing, saying it constituted a “dangerous escalation” and a serious violation of the UN Charter.
He added that it “plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences”.
Chile
Chilean President Gabriel Boric also called the US action illegal.
“Chile condemns this US attack,” he wrote on X. “Having power does not authorise you to use it in violation of the rules that we as humanity have given ourselves. Even if you are the United States.”
The world reacts with protest and praise after the US bombs Iran nuclear sites
Iran Add Topic: The world reacts with protest and praise after the US bombs Iran nuclear sites. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 22, 2025 condemned U.S. attacks on key nuclear sites as “outrageous” and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty. At least 16 people were hurt and at least one impact was reported in central Israel after Iran launched two waves of missiles at the country following the bombing of its nuclear sites, rescue services and reports said. President Donald Trump said the US military carried out strikes on June 23, 2025 on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran “must now to end this war”, following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel’s campaign. Dutch Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof made comments after meeting with the National Security Council ahead of two-day NATO summit at the World Forum in The Hague, The Netherlands. The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran on June 21, 2025, and two nuclear sites on June 2, 2025.
The world reacts with protest and praise after the US bombs Iran nuclear sites
A man on an e-scooter passes a giant billboard, where U.S. President Donald Trump appears, in Tel Aviv, Israel on June 22, 2025. Violeta Santos Moura, Reuters
People attend a protest in Tehran, Iran, against the U.S attack on Iran’s nuclear sites amid the Iran-Israel conflict on June 22, 2025. Majid Asgaripour / WANA (West Asia News Agency), Via Reuters
People protest outside the Iranian Embassy on June 22, 2025 in London. Demonstrators are gathering outside Iran’s embassy in London, after President Donald Trump announced that the United States had struck nuclear facilities in Iran overnight. Police had imposed restrictions on gatherings outside the embassy until Sunday afternoon, following violent clashes that broke out near the embassy on Friday night among what is believed to have been both pro and anti-Iranian regime groups of demonstrators. Eight Iranian nationals were arrested in connection with the incident. Alishia Abodunde, Getty Images
Protesters hold banners as Iranians in Paris demonstrate following the U.S attack on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, 2025. Benoit Tessier, REUTERS
Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, speaks during a press conference at the Lutfi Krdar Congress Center on the sideline of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul on June 22, 2025. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 22, 2025 condemned U.S. attacks on key nuclear sites as “outrageous” and said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty. “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he posted on X, adding that the attacks were “lawless and criminal” behavior. OZAN KOSE, AFP Via Getty Images
Demonstrators hold Iranian and Palestinian flags, and placards that read: “No Iran war”, as they gather to march against the upcoming NATO leaders’ summit at The Hague, Netherlands on June 22, 2025. Claudia Greco, Reuters
A person holds an anti-war placard with crossed out pictures of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as demonstrators gather to march against the upcoming NATO leaders’ summit at The Hague, Netherlands, on June 22, 2025. Claudia Greco, Reuters
A cyclist holding Iran and Israel flags gives a peace sign as he passes in front of the Iranian Embassy as the words ‘King Reza Pahlavi’ (who was the the last Shah of Iran) are displayed in graffiti on the wall on June 22, 2025 in London. Demonstrators are gathering outside Iran’s embassy in London, after President Donald Trump announced that the United States had struck nuclear facilities in Iran overnight. Police had imposed restrictions on gatherings outside the embassy until Sunday afternoon, following violent clashes that broke out near the embassy on Friday night among what is believed to have been both pro and anti-Iranian regime groups of demonstrators. Eight Iranian nationals were arrested in connection with the incident. Alishia Abodunde, Getty Images
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog speaks to the press as he visits the Ramat Aviv area in Tel Aviv, following an Iranian strike that hit the residential neighborhood on June 22, 2025. At least 16 people were hurt and at least one impact was reported in central Israel after Iran launched two waves of missiles at the country following the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites, rescue services and reports said. JACK GUEZ, AFP Via Getty Images
Protesters hold a rally denouncing the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, near the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, on June 22, 2025. Issei Kato, Reuters
An anti-Iranian regime protester shouts slogans during a gathering outside the Iranian Embassy, central London, on June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump said the US military carried out strikes on June 22, 2025 on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran “must now agree to end this war”, following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel’s bombing campaign. BEN STANSALL, AFP Via Getty Images
Dutch Outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof comments after the National Security Council met to discuss the U.S. attack on Iran, ahead of the two-day NATO summit at the World Forum, in The Hague, on June 22, 2025. SEM VAN DER WAL, ANP/AFP Via Getty Images
Social Unity Center of India (SUCI) activists carry placards to condemn U.S. strikes on Iran, during a protest in Kolkata on June 22, 2025. The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran on June 22, joining Israel’s bombing campaign after days of speculation over U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. DIBYANGSHU SARKAR, AFP Via Getty Images
A banner bearing a painting that represents various categories of the Iranian society is deployed against the facade of a building in Tehran, with a message that reads in Farsi: “We are all soldiers of Iran,” on June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military carried out strikes on June 22 on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran “must now agree to end this war”, following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel’s bombing campaign. AFP Via Getty Images
An anti-Iranian regime protester holds a placard reading “No to the Islamic” during a gathering outside the Iranian Embassy, central London, on June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military carried out strikes on June 22, 2025 on three Iranian nuclear sites and that Tehran “must now agree to end this war”, following days of speculation over whether the United States would join its ally Israel’s bombing campaign. BEN STANSALL, AFP Via Getty Images
Protesters participate in a rally condemning the U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran and in solidarity for Palestinians on June 22, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. President Donald Trump spoke in a televised address following a strike on the three Iranian nuclear facilities by the U.S. military. Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Images
Police officers walk with protesters, in support of Iran and Palestinians in Gaza, as they hold flags and placards during a demonstration against the actions of Israel and the United States in Sydney, Australia, on June 22, 2025. DAVID GRAY, AFP Via Getty Images
Nations around the world react to U.S. strikes on Iran, with many calling for diplomacy
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres is “gravely alarmed’ by the use of force by the U.S. Iran’s foreign minister says the time for diplomacy is over and Iran has the right to defend itself. The Iraqi government says the military escalation poses a grave threat to peace and security. Saudi Arabia expresses “deep concern” but stops short of condemning the airstrikes, which hit three Iranian nuclear sites.. The United States has called on Iran to refrain from developing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, including ballistic missiles. The U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East as he called for all sides to negotiate a diplomatic end to the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region. and urged a return to the negotiating table in the wake of American strikes on Iran that fueled fears of a wider conflict, while noting the threat posed by Tehran’s nuclear program.. Some countries and groups in the region, including those that support Iran, condemned the move while also urging de-escalation.
U.S. President Donald Trump had said Thursday that he would decide within two weeks whether to get involved in Israel’s war with Tehran. In the end, it took just days. Washington hit three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.
WATCH: Trump addresses the nation after U.S. bombs 3 Iranian nuclear sites
While the amount of damage remained unclear, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the U.S. had “crossed a very big red line,” the time for diplomacy was over and Iran had the right to defend itself.
Some have questioned whether a weakened Iran would capitulate or remain defiant and begin striking with allies at U.S. targets scattered across the Gulf region.
Here is a look at reactions from governments and officials around the world.
United Nations
U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the United States.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control — with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement on the social media platform X. “I call on Member States to de-escalate.”
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”
United Kingdom
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of escalation beyond the Middle East as he called for all sides to negotiate a diplomatic end to the crisis, saying stability was the priority in the volatile region.
The U.K., along with the European Union, France and Germany, tried unsuccessfully to broker a diplomatic solution in Geneva last week with Iran.
Starmer said Iran’s nuclear program posed a grave threat to global security.
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer said.
Russia
Dmitry Medvedev, who serves as deputy head of President Vladimir Putin’s Security Council, said several countries were prepared to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons.
He didn’t specify which countries, but said the U.S. attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it “strongly condemned” the airstrikes and called them a “a gross violation of international law, the U.N. Charter, and U.N. Security Council resolutions.”
Iraq
The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. strikes, saying the military escalation created a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East. It said it poses serious risks to regional stability and called for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.
“The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world,” government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi said in the statement.
Egypt
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi warned of “grave repercussions” for expanding the Middle East conflict and urged a return to negotiations.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, which previously condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and military leaders, expressed “deep concern” about the U.S. airstrikes, but stopped short of condemning them.
“The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Qatar
Qatar, which is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, said it “regrets” escalating tensions in the Israel-Iran war.
Its Foreign Ministry in a statement urged all parties to show restraint and “avoid escalation, which the peoples of the region, burdened by conflicts and their tragic humanitarian repercussions, cannot tolerate.”
Qatar has served as a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war.
Hamas and the Houthis
Both the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hamas condemned the U.S. strikes.
The Houthi political bureau in a statement called on Muslim nations to join “the Jihad and resistance option as one front against the Zionist-American arrogance.”
Hamas and the Houthis are part of Iran’s so-called Axis of Resistance, a collection of pro-Iranian proxies stretching from Yemen to Lebanon that for years gave the Islamic Republic considerable power across the region.
Lebanon
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the U.S. bombing could lead to a regional conflict that no country could bear and called for negotiations.
“Lebanon, its leadership, parties, and people, are aware today, more than ever before, that it has paid a heavy price for the wars that erupted on its land and in the region,” Aoun said in a statement on X. “It is unwilling to pay more.”
Pakistan
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who spoke by phone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemned the U.S. strikes as a “serious violation of international law,” his office said.
The condemnation comes less than 24 hours after Sharif’s government said on X it was recommending President Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role defusing the recent India-Pakistan crisis.
China
China condemned U.S. strikes on Iran, calling them a serious violation of international law that further inflamed tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry urged all parties — especially Israel — to implement a cease-fire and begin dialogue.
“China is willing to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and contribute to the work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East,” the ministry said.
European Union
The European Union’s top diplomat said Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but she urged those involved in the conflict to show restraint.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a post on social media.
Italy
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she discussed the worsening crisis with several other members of the Group of Seven leading industrial nations, as well as the Saudi, UAE and Qatari leaders, and all agreed to work toward negotiations to prevent a widening conflict.
European Council
President Antonio Costa said he was “deeply alarmed” by the bombings and called on all parties to “show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety.”
“Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” Costa added. “The EU will continue engaging with the parties and our partners to find a peaceful solution at the negotiating table.”
Netherlands
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp, whose country is hosting a summit of NATO leaders including Trump on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the government’s national security council would meet later to discuss the issue.
He said said the U.S. attacks amounted to “a further escalation of a worrying situation in the Middle East.”
Latin America
Left-wing Latin American governments expressed fierce opposition to the U.S. strikes.
Iran-allied Venezuela called the attacks “illegal, unjustifiable and extremely dangerous.” Colombian President Gustavo Petro said they were an insult to the Middle East. Chile’s President Gabriel Boric said they violated “rules we have established as humanity.” Mexico’s Foreign Ministry made “an urgent call for peace.”
In contrast, Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, a loyal ally of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praised the attacks on social media. “Terrorism, never again,” his spokesperson said.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters Sunday that it was crucial to calm the situation as soon as possible, adding that the Iranian nuclear weapons development also must be prevented.
Ishiba, asked if he supports the U.S. attacks on Iran, declined to comment.
The Vatican
Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace during his Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s square, calling for international diplomacy to “silence the weapons.”
After an open reference to the “alarming” situation in Iran, the first American pontiff stressed that “today more than ever, humanity cries out and invokes peace and it is a cry that demands reason and must not be stifled.”
Pope Leo urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”