Leaders from around the world have reacted to the Israeli attack on Iran, with most calling on the parties involved to cease the attacks.
Israel has attacked Iran, with powerful explosions reported in Tehran and five other major cities in the Islamic country. Over 200 fighter jets have bombed Iran. Meanwhile, Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence service, has carried out targeted sabotage operations.
The Iranian state media reports multiple deaths (including children and women) after residential buildings were hit.
Here are the reactions of world leaders, as quoted by Reuters:
- Donald Trump: U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Fox News that he was aware of Israel's attacks on Iran, emphasizing that Tehran should not obtain nuclear weapons and assuring that the United States was not involved in the operation, while also maintaining the intention to continue negotiations with Iran on Sunday.
- U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio: "Tonight, Israel has taken unilateral actions against Iran. We are not involved in attacks against Iran, and our top priority is to protect American forces in the region. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel."
- British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer: "Reports of these attacks are concerning, and we urge all parties to step back and urgently reduce tensions. Escalation is not beneficial to anyone in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be a priority."
- NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte: "I believe it is crucial for many allies, including the United States, to act right now. I know they are doing so, and I believe it is everyone's priority."
- UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres: "The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned about the Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities while discussions between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran's nuclear program are ongoing. The Secretary-General calls on both parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs an escalation of the conflict, a situation the region can hardly afford," said the representative of UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
- Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong: "Australia is alarmed by the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran. This risks further destabilizing a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions that will further exacerbate tensions. We all understand that the threat posed by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program is a threat to international peace and security and urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy."
- New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon: "It is a truly unwelcome development in the Middle East. That region does not need any military action and the associated risk."
- Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Yoshimasa Hayashi: "Japan continues to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation, while also implementing all possible measures to ensure the protection of Japanese citizens."
- Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi: "Indonesia strongly condemns Israel's attack on Iran. The attack risks exacerbating existing regional tensions and could trigger a broader conflict. All parties must exercise utmost restraint and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or cause further instability."
- Representatives of Oman: "Oman considers this act a dangerous and reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. Such aggressive and persistent behavior is unacceptable and further destabilizes regional peace and security. The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls on the international community to take a firm and unequivocal stance to stop this dangerous course of action."
- Saudi Arabian Diplomats: "Saudi Arabia expresses its condemnation and strong denunciation of Israel's blatant aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermines its sovereignty and security and constitutes a clear violation of international laws and norms."