ISLAMABAD:
A wave of strong international reactions followed Sunday’s U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with global powers and regional leaders warning that the attacks mark a dangerous escalation in an already volatile Middle East.
Most world leaders condemned the U.S. actions, urging restraint, diplomacy, and immediate steps to avoid further conflict.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas appealed for calm and a renewed commitment to negotiations.
“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation,” she posted on X, emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
EU foreign ministers are expected to convene Monday to assess the situation and consider next steps.
Condemnations from Global Powers
Russia called the U.S. bombing campaign “irresponsible” and “a gross violation of international law,” warning that the strikes have triggered “a dangerous escalation” with serious global implications.
China also condemned the U.S. actions, urging all parties—especially Israel—to implement an immediate ceasefire.
“China calls on all parties to the conflict to cease fire as soon as possible,” said its foreign ministry.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge,” and repeated his call for diplomacy and peace as the only viable solution.
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” he stated.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the U.S. concerns but insisted Iran must return to negotiations.
“Stability in the region is a priority,” he said, asserting that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
Regional Reactions and Warnings
France convened its defence council and urged all sides to avoid actions that could widen the conflict.
President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Saudi and Omani leaders, and France’s foreign minister reiterated the need for restraint.
Pope Leo XIV also weighed in, saying during his Angelus prayer that “humanity is crying out for peace” and warning against the irreversible consequences of continued warfare.
Saudi Arabia voiced “great concern” over the strikes against Iran, calling for restraint and de-escalation through all possible diplomatic means.
Pakistan, a key U.S. ally and nuclear-armed Muslim state, condemned the U.S. strikes as violations of international law.
“Iran has the right to defend itself under the UN Charter,” said Pakistan’s foreign ministry, warning of serious regional consequences.
The Palestinian group Hamas labeled the strikes “blatant U.S. aggression,” calling them a violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to international peace.
Leaders across the world are now calling for urgent diplomatic action to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown regional war.
