Leaders and international organisations have warned of a possible escalation of conflict and called for restraint amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Governments around the world reacted with alarm after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran were followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region, heightening fears of a broader war.
In Europe, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa described the confrontation as “greatly concerning” and urged all sides “to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law.”
France, Germany and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks on countries in the region while reaffirming their commitment “to regional stability and to the protection of civilian life.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, warning the escalation carries “serious consequences” for international peace and security. “The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop,” he said.
British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer reiterated that London “played no role in these strikes” and said the U.K. had strengthened protections for its regional bases and personnel.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticised what he called “unilateral” military action by Washington and Israel and demanded “immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law,” while also rejecting the actions of the Iranian government.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide questioned Israel’s claim of preventive action, saying “such strikes are lawful only in the face of an imminent threat.”
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said the Iranian people “must not pay the price for their government’s choices,” and expressed regret that diplomacy had failed.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry placed responsibility on Iran for the broader crisis, citing domestic repression and regional actions as contributing factors.
Gulf and Middle East
Qatar condemned Iranian missile fire on its territory, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty and saying it reserves the right to respond under international law.
The United Arab Emirates described the strikes on its territory as “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians,” adding that it has the “full right” to respond.
Bahrain confirmed that an Iranian missile targeted the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and labelled the attack “treacherous.”
Kuwait denounced the strike on its soil as a “flagrant violation” of international law and warned that further escalation would deepen regional instability.
Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian attacks in the “strongest terms” and cautioned against “dire consequences.”
Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry called on “all parties” to halt the spiral of violence, noting that the crisis began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran and warning the escalation risks regional and global stability.
Oman, which had been mediating indirect U.S.-Iran talks, expressed dismay. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said the violence would not serve US interests or global peace and urged Washington “not to get sucked in” further.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry also called for an emergency UN Security Council session and an immediate ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar “strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran” and called for urgent diplomacy.
Russia and China
Russian President Vladimir Putin convened his security council to assess developments. The Russian Foreign Ministry described the strikes as reckless and destabilising, urging the international community to deliver an objective assessment.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, accused Washington of using nuclear negotiations as cover for military action.
China’s Foreign Ministry called for “an immediate halt to military actions” and emphasised that “Iran’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected,” urging a return to dialogue.
South and East Asia
India’s Ministry of External Affairs called for restraint and respect for sovereignty, saying “dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued.” The statement followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, where he described bilateral ties as “vital.”
United States
Domestic political divisions have also surfaced in Washington. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie said he is “opposed to this war” and called for a Congressional vote.
Democratic Senator Ed Markeydescribed the strikes as “illegal and unconstitutional,” warning of the risk of a wider regional war and urging a diplomatic solution.
International organisations
International Committee of the Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric warned that “a dangerous chain reaction” of escalation is under way, with potentially devastating consequences for civilians, and called for respect for the laws of war.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said he deplored the strikes by Israel and the United States and Iran’s retaliation, stressing that civilians ultimately bear the cost of armed conflict.
He urged all sides to return to negotiations.
As diplomatic appeals intensify, the breadth of reactions underscores global concern that the confrontation between Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran could spiral into a prolonged and destabilising regional war.