Multiple nations respond as US and Israel launch military strikes against Iran, with international condemnation and support statements emerging.
Spain Condemns Unilateral Action
Spain’s prime minister wrote on platform X: “We reject the unilateral military action of the United States and Israel, which constitutes an escalation and contributes to a more insecure and hostile international order. At the same time, we reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard.”
Prime Minister Sanchez emphasized that another prolonged and devastating war in the Middle East cannot be afforded.
Oman Calls for Immediate Halt
The authorities of Oman, a state mediating between Washington and Tehran, called for an immediate cessation of all military operations.
Italy Expresses Solidarity with Iranian Civilians
Italy’s government announced in a statement after an emergency meeting: “In this particularly difficult moment, Italy renews its closeness to the civilian population of Iran, which continues to courageously demand respect for its civil and political rights.”
Turkey Engages in Regional Diplomacy
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held telephone conversations with the heads of diplomacy of Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Egypt, and Indonesia after the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran – reported a source in the Turkish MFA. The conversations focused on the development of the situation in the region and on steps that can be taken to contribute to the cessation of attacks, the source added.
France Urges UN Security Council Meeting
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council following the attack by Israel and the US on Iran. In a statement, he emphasized that the current escalation is dangerous for everyone and must end. Macron, cited by Reuters, also noted that the Iranian regime must understand that it has no choice but to engage in good faith in negotiations to stop its nuclear and ballistic missile program.
The French leader stated that Iranians must be able to freely build their future. As he noted, the massacres committed by Iranian authorities are discrediting for them and require the nation’s voice; the sooner, the better – he assessed. Macron declared that France is ready to send the necessary means to protect its closest partners, if requested.
UK Opposes Iranian Nuclear Program
A British government spokesperson stated: “Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, and therefore we continuously support efforts to achieve a solution through negotiations.” “As part of our long-standing commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive means in the region, which we have recently strengthened. We are ready to defend our interests” – Reuters reported, citing the British government.
NATO Monitors Situation Closely
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart emphasized that the Alliance is closely following the development of the situation in Iran and the region – Reuters reported.
Germany Monitors Region and Advises Citizens
Germany’s MFA informed that Berlin is closely monitoring the situation in Iran, Israel, and the entire region. The ministry stated that it remains in constant contact with embassies in the region and appealed to German citizens to follow local authorities’ instructions regarding security. – Germany was informed in advance on Saturday morning about Israeli military attacks on Iran – a government spokesperson reported.
Norway Condemns Attack as Violation of International Law
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide assessed that the attack by the US and Israel on Iran violates international law and could lead to a new, widespread war in the Middle East: “A preventive strike” finds no basis in international law.
Russia Condemns “Planned and Unjustified” Attacks
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the “planned and unjustified” attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, demanding an immediate cessation of shelling and a return to a diplomatic solution. In a post published on Telegram, the Russian MFA accused the US and Israel of “hiding behind concerns” about Iran’s nuclear program, seeking to change the government in Iran. According to the Russian MFA, the international community must immediately provide an objective assessment of “irresponsible actions that threaten to further destabilize the situation in the region.” The MFA emphasized that particular concern is caused by the “serial nature” of attacks carried out by the US in recent months against the international foundations of the world order.
Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Aggression
Saudi Arabia condemned Iranian attacks on its neighbors, where Tehran attacked American military bases. “The kingdom strongly condemns the brutal aggression of Iran and the blatant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan” – the authorities stated in a statement.
Ukraine Blames Iranian Regime for Escalation
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Saturday that the current escalation is the fault of the Iranian authorities, adding that Kyiv stands by the Iranian people and renews calls for a change of government. “The cause of the current events is the violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, in particular the killings and repression of peaceful demonstrators, which have become particularly common in recent months” – the Ukrainian MFA stated in a statement.
Belgium: Iranian People Should Not Suffer for Government Policies
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot emphasized that the Iranian people should not suffer the consequences of their government’s policies. The head of Belgian diplomacy also called on Belgian citizens in Iran to leave the country immediately.
Netherlands Calls for Restraint
Netherlands Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that his country is closely following developments in the Middle East. The politician called on parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, emphasizing that the regime in Tehran is brutal, but his government advocates for diplomatic solutions.
Kazakhstan Prepares for Potential Escalation
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ordered relevant agencies to present an emergency plan, taking into account the escalation of the situation around Iran and potential threats to the stability of his country. According to the president’s order, all security bodies have been placed on 24-hour readiness, and a special monitoring group has been established within the government, operating under the supervision of the MFA.
US and Israel Launch Preemptive Strikes
On Saturday morning, the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strike is of a preemptive nature. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the American military has begun a “large-scale combat operation,” pledged that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons, and called on the Iranian people to take power in the country.