Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes againt Iran on Saturday, escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a video message, US President Donald Trump said the goal was to destroy Tehran’s missile capabilities and prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz called the action "preemptive strikes", aimed at removing threats to Israel. The attacks have drawn strong reactions from world leaders, with many raising concern over the risk of a wider regional conflict.
Here's How The Leaders Reacted
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the escalating conflict, calling for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). In a post on X, Macron noted, "The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran carries grave consequences for international peace and security. At this decisive moment, every measure is being taken to ensure the security of our national territory, our citizens, and our interests in the Middle East. France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it.""
Russia criticises the US
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, strongly criticised the US, suggesting that negotiations with Iran had been a “cover”. In a post on X, he questioned Washington's long-term global standing, contrasting America’s 249-year history with the more than 2,500-year history of the Persian Empire. “The peacekeeper is at it again. The talks with Iran were just a cover. Everyone knew that. So who has more patience to wait for the enemy’s sorry end now? The US is just 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded over 2500 years ago. Let’s see what happens in 100 years or so," Medvedev wrote on X.
Lebanon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned against dragging Lebanon into further conflict. He said the country would not accept being pulled into “adventures” that threaten its security and national unity."I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” Salam said.
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Pakistan Extends Support to Iran
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the "unwarranted attacks" on Iran by Israel and the US. He called for an immediate cessation of the conflict. In his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi , Dar extended support to Tehran. According to a statement by the Pakistan Foreign Office, Dar "strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis". The Pakistan Embassy in Iran, has also issued an advisory, urging Pakistani nationals to avoid all non-mandatory travel to Iran for their safety and security.
Norway Questions Legality Of The Strikes
Norway Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, further questioned the legality of the strikes. He stated that preventive attacks must be based on an immediately imminent threat to comply with international law. "The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat,” Eide noted.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting as Britain assessed its response. The UK reportedly did not take part in the initial strikes but deployed RAF Typhoon jets to Qatar to help protect regional bases, including al-Udeid airbase. A British government spokesman, in a statement, noted, “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.”
Australia Condemns Iranian Regime
Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed strong criticism of Iran’s leadership. He described it as destabilizing through its missile and nuclear programs and support for armed proxies. He also referred to Iranian-linked activities targeting Australia in 2024. He added that Canberra had imposed sanctions on more than 200 individuals connected to Iran, including over 100 linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
"Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression. For decades, the Iranian regime has been a destabilising force, through its ballistic missile and nuclear programs, support for armed proxies, and brutal acts of violence and intimidation. Iran directed at least two attacks on Australian soil in 2024. These appalling acts targeting Australia’s Jewish community were intended to create fear, divide our society and challenge our sovereignty," Albanese wrote on X.