After the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, global leaders responded quickly with calls for restraint and respect for international law, as well as public condemnation and support for Washington’s actions.Governments across Europe, Asia and the Middle East have issued statements as the conflict threatens to expand across the region.Here are the responses from major countries and groups:
EU calls situation “dangerous” and urges “maximum restraint”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said developments in Iran were “very worrying”.“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law,” the two leaders said in a joint statement reported by Al Jazeera.They added that measures would be taken in coordination with EU member states to ensure that EU citizens in the region “can receive our full support”.European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Callas called the latest developments in the Middle East “dangerous.”“The Iranian regime has killed thousands of people. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as its support for terrorist groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” she said, adding that the EU had imposed sanctions on Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on nuclear issues. Karas said the EU was exploring diplomatic avenues in close coordination with Arab partners, stressing that the protection of civilians and international humanitarian law remained priorities. She also noted that the EU Aspid Naval Mission was on high alert in the Red Sea to help keep the sea corridor open, Reuters reported.
Spain calls for de-escalation and respect for law
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Alvarez said Madrid was following developments closely and called for compliance with international law.“Violence only brings chaos. De-escalation and dialogue are the path to peace and stability,” Albarez wrote on X.He added that all Spanish embassies in the region remain open to Spanish citizens.
Malaysia condemns Israeli attacks, US actions
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli attack on Iran and the ensuing US military action, warning that the escalating conflict had brought the Middle East to the “brink of catastrophe”. Anwar called the Israeli attack a “despicable attempt” to derail ongoing negotiations and draw other countries into the wider conflict. He called for an “immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” according to the Associated Press.
Qatar condemns Iranian missile attack
Qatar’s foreign ministry said the country “reserves the right to respond” after an Iranian missile attack on its territory.Iran’s retaliatory attacks targeted multiple U.S. military facilities in the region as well as U.S. allies such as Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.According to Al Jazeera, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it strongly condemned the ballistic missile attack on Qatari territory, calling it a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty, a direct attack on its security and an unacceptable escalation that threatens regional stability.
Australia supports U.S. efforts
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Iran’s nuclear program has long been viewed as a threat to global peace and security.“The international community has made it clear that the Iranian regime must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons,” Albanese said in a post on the X website.He pointed out that the United Nations Security Council has re-imposed sanctions on Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors has declared that Iran does not comply with its safeguard obligations.“We support U.S. actions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and from continuing to threaten international peace and security,” he said.
Norway questions legality of strike
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Bart Eide expressed deep concern about the possibility of a new large-scale war in the Middle East. “Israel describes the attack as a preventive attack, but this is inconsistent with international law. A preventive attack requires an immediate threat,” he said in a statement to Reuters.He urged restraint and called for continued diplomatic efforts.
Russia criticizes US, calls talks a ‘cover’
Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia and current deputy chairman of the Security Council, harshly criticized US President Donald Trump.“The peacemaker shows up again,” Medvedev said. “All negotiations with Iran are cover operations. No one doubts that. No one really wants to negotiate anything.”“The question is who has more patience to wait for the ignominious end of the enemy. The United States is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire has been established for more than 2,500 years. Let’s see 100 years from now…”
Belgium: “The Iranian people should not pay the price”
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said civilians should not bear the consequences of escalating tensions.“The Iranian people must never pay the price for the government’s choices,” Prevot said. “We deeply regret that diplomatic efforts failed to lead to a negotiated solution sooner,” Al Jazeera said. He stressed the need to resume diplomatic contacts to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Pakistan calls for urgent diplomacy
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar “strongly condemned the unprovoked attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through an urgent resumption of diplomacy to resolve the crisis through peaceful negotiations.”Islamabad’s response further fueled calls from some countries to seek to de-escalate the situation and return to negotiations.
