Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
On Friday, international concern surged in response to Israel’s early-morning airstrikes, targeting over 100 locations within Iran. Global leaders are calling for both nations to exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions further.
In an immediate reaction, Iran launched a drone counterattack, while Israel declared its strikes as just the beginning of a larger campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the actions taken by Israel were unilateral, emphasizing that the United States was not involved in the strikes. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump warned Iran that they could expect even more severe repercussions during future Israeli operations.
This article rounds up the international reactions to the recent military actions.
Iran’s Foreign Minister called the strikes a “declaration of war,” alleging U.S. involvement. Abbas Aragchi, the Foreign Minister, asserted that Israel’s aggression could not have occurred without U.S. coordination and approval. He further remarked, “Consequently, the U.S. government, as the primary patron of this regime, will also bear responsibility for the dangerous repercussions of the Zionist regime’s reckless actions.”
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s military actions, characterizing them as violations of international law. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong disapproval, stating, “These attacks undermine Iran’s sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan communicated with Aragchi, affirming the Kingdom’s rejection of force. He stressed the necessity of dialogue to address disputes, asserting that the Israeli attack undermines efforts toward de-escalation and peaceful solutions.
The recent escalation complicates U.S. efforts to broker a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which had already stalled due to ongoing conflicts, particularly the war in Gaza.
Qatar also voiced strong condemnation, describing the military actions as a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and an infringement on established international principles. Qatar’s Foreign Minister convened with Iran’s ambassador on Friday to discuss enhancing diplomatic relations amid the tensions.
The United Arab Emirates condemned Israel’s actions in the strongest terms, joining other nations in decrying the military strikes as aggressive.
Turkey urged an immediate halt to hostilities, asserting that Israel must stop its aggressions to prevent further regional conflicts.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in discussions with several European leaders, many of whom expressed alarm over the potential for escalation while simultaneously affirming Israel’s right to self-defense.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized, “We affirm that Israel has the right to defend its existence and the safety of its citizens.” He further urged both parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region.
In addition, Sa’ar informed German Foreign Minister Johan Wadephul that Israel’s military action was a last resort after exhausting all other options. He highlighted that the recent IAEA report indicated significant Iranian violations, foreshadowing challenging days ahead.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s condemnation of Iran’s ongoing nuclear program while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. He also called for maximum restraint to maintain regional stability.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern regarding the Israeli strikes, urging all involved parties to take steps back and reduce tensions.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský showed understanding towards Israel’s position, noting that Iran has consistently failed to meet its international obligations. He acknowledged the necessity of military action to deter Iran’s nuclear efforts while also emphasizing the need for international accountability.
The Russian Foreign Ministry voiced strong opposition to the strikes, condemning the unprovoked military action against a sovereign U.N. member state. They characterized these strikes as unacceptable, warning that such actions threaten peace and endanger both regional and global security.
China criticized the airstrikes, labeling them a violation of sovereignty. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “We oppose the violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.” He expressed China’s willingness to play a constructive role in de-escalation efforts.
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya described the strikes as “deeply regrettable,” emphasizing that the use of military force undermines peaceful diplomatic efforts regarding the nuclear issue. He condemned the action, which escalates tensions in the region.
As the situation develops, the international community remains vigilant, monitoring the response from both Israel and Iran. The consequences of these military actions extend beyond the immediate conflict, potentially reshaping geopolitical alliances and influencing future diplomatic engagements.
