Nations across the Middle East and beyond reacted with alarm following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday night. The European Union and the United Nations immediately urged all sides to return to diplomacy, warning of the growing risk that the conflict could spiral into a wider, uncontrollable war.
Qatar, home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, expressed deep concern about the potential consequences of the escalation. In a statement on Sunday, its foreign ministry warned: “The current dangerous escalation in the region may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels.” It urged all parties to “exercise wisdom, restraint, and avoid further escalation.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force. “At this perilous hour,” he stated, “it is crucial to avoid a spiral of chaos. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on edge, and a direct threat to international peace and security. There is no military solution—only diplomacy offers a path forward. The only hope is peace.”
Saudi Arabia expressed “great concern” as well. Its foreign ministry called for restraint and urged the international community to push harder for a political resolution to the crisis.
Iraq’s government spokesman, Basim Alawadi, called the U.S. strike “a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East” and warned of serious risks to the region’s stability.
Pakistan, the only Muslim-majority country with nuclear weapons and a longtime U.S. ally, condemned the attack as a violation of international law. “We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions,” said its foreign ministry, adding that Iran has the right to self-defense under the UN Charter.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said it was vital to achieve a swift de-escalation, stating: “We are monitoring the situation with grave concern.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed those concerns, calling for renewed negotiations while emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. “This is a threat to international security,” she said, urging all sides to “step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation.” EU foreign ministers are scheduled to meet Monday to discuss the crisis.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he hoped the attack, which he claimed severely damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities, would pave the way for talks. “De-escalation must begin now,” he told RAI, Italy’s state broadcaster.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that Iran should “immediately enter into negotiations with the U.S. and Israel to find a diplomatic solution.”
British opposition leader Keir Starmer also called for renewed talks. In a statement, he said: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a serious threat to international security. The U.S. has acted to counter that threat. Now, Iran must return to negotiations. The region’s stability is paramount.”
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the military escalation as “extremely worrying.” He called for all parties to recommit to diplomacy: “Military action will not bring lasting peace—only talks can do that.”
An Australian government spokesperson said Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes were a threat to global security. “We note the U.S. president’s statement that now is the time for peace,” the spokesperson said. “We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Venezuela’s foreign minister, Yván Gil, condemned what he described as “U.S. military aggression against Iran,” demanding an immediate end to hostilities.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel also strongly condemned the strikes, calling them a “dangerous escalation” that violates international law. “This aggression plunges humanity into a crisis with potentially irreversible consequences,” he said on social media.
Mexico’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging all parties to engage in “diplomatic dialogue for peace.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Donald Trump’s decision, calling it historic. In a video message, he said: “Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”