World reactions to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran

The United States and Israel announced Saturday that they had launched strikes on Iran, while calling on Iranians to take power into their own hands. Tehran vowed to respond “firmly” and retaliated with missile fire, particularly targeting Israel.

Here are the main international reactions, ranging from support to condemnation, amid widespread concern over the risk of escalation.

Iran

The Foreign Ministry said Iran “will respond firmly to the aggressors,” adding that it had done “everything necessary to avoid war.”

Russia

Russian diplomats denounced the strikes as a “dangerous adventure” threatening the region with “catastrophe” and aimed at “destroying” the Iranian government.

Pakistan

Pakistan “strongly condemns” the “unjustified attacks” against Iran and “calls for an immediate halt to the escalation,” its foreign minister said.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s president has offered to mediate between Washington and Tehran. The Foreign Ministry said “Indonesia calls on all parties to exercise restraint."

Lebanon

Lebanon will not allow itself to be “dragged” into the conflict with Iran, the prime minister said, as authorities fear potential involvement by the pro-Iranian Hezbollah.

European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for “maximum restraint,” saying it is “crucial” to ensure nuclear safety. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern over the “dangerous” developments and called for the “protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.”

United Kingdom

The British government said it does not want to “see the situation worsen and escalate into a broader regional conflict,” a spokesperson said.

Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on X that he “rejects” both “the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel” and “the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards.” “We demand immediate de-escalation,” he added.

France

“The ongoing escalation is dangerous for everyone and must stop,” President Emmanuel Macron said, calling for an “urgent meeting” of the U.N. Security Council and insisting that the voice must be “returned to the Iranian people.”

Australia

“We support U.S. action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X.

Ukraine

“The violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime” are “the reason for the current events,” Ukrainian diplomats said.

Czech Republic

“Iran’s uncontrolled nuclear program and support for terrorism are dangerous for us and for all of Europe,” Prime Minister Andrej Babiš wrote on X.

Sweden

“Iran bears great responsibility for the negative developments in the regional situation and the risks to security in the West,” Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard wrote on X.

Norway

The strikes, described by Israel as “preventive,” are “not in accordance with international law,” as “a preventive attack presupposes the existence of an imminent threat,” Norway’s foreign minister said.

Netherlands

“The Netherlands calls on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Stability in the region is essential,” Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said on X.

Ireland

“I call on all parties to de-escalate,” Foreign Minister Helen McEntee said.

Switzerland

Switzerland, “deeply alarmed” by the U.S.-Israeli strikes, “calls for full respect of international law, including the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law,” its Foreign Ministry said on X.

African Union

The African Union called for “restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue” to avoid “worsening global instability,” urging “all parties to act in accordance with international law.”

South Korea

South Korea “urges all parties to make every possible effort to ease tensions in the region,” its Foreign Ministry said.