Global Leaders React to US and Israeli Strikes on Iran: A Call for Restraint

In the wake of US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, European leaders are convening emergency meetings to address escalating tensions. French President Macron has called for a UN Security Council session, while Germany and the UK are also discussing their responses. The strikes have raised concerns about a broader conflict, prompting calls for restraint and diplomatic negotiations. Global leaders, including those from Spain and Norway, have condemned the unilateral military actions, emphasizing the need for peace and stability in the region. As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching closely, fearing the implications of further escalation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 19:20 IST

Emergency Meetings Across Europe

European leaders convened urgent security discussions to safeguard their citizens following the recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which have raised alarms about a potential escalation into a wider conflict.

In response to these strikes, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an emergency session of the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Germany and the UK are also conducting their own urgent meetings to address the situation. The European Union is in the process of evacuating certain personnel from the area, and leaders are strategizing on coordinated responses.

The military actions by the US and Israel involved significant strikes on various Iranian targets, with US President Donald Trump urging the Iranian populace to 'take over your government,' a statement that hints at a desire to dismantle the longstanding theocratic regime.

Dilemma for Democratic Allies

These US strikes present a complex challenge for its democratic allies. While European nations are united in their opposition to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the oppressive actions of its hardline government, they are hesitant to support unilateral military interventions by Trump that could violate international law and escalate tensions further.

Similar dilemmas arose following Trump's previous strikes on Iran last June and the recent arrest of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro.

It remains uncertain whether US allies received prior notice of the attacks; the German government indicated it was informed only on the morning of the strikes, while France's junior defense minister acknowledged some foreknowledge without specifics.

Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy

Macron expressed concern over the dangerous escalation, stating, 'It must stop.' He emphasized France's military presence in the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, offering support to regional partners.

'The outbreak of war involving the US, Israel, and Iran could have dire implications for peace and global security,' he warned, urging Iran's leadership to engage in negotiations regarding its nuclear and missile programs.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led a meeting of the government's emergency committee, reiterating the UK's commitment to a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran's nuclear pursuits, clarifying that Britain was not involved in the strikes.

International Reactions and Concerns

The EU's chief diplomat labeled the Middle East conflict as 'perilous,' indicating ongoing efforts to collaborate with Israeli and Arab officials to achieve a peaceful resolution.

Kaja Kallas, the foreign policy chief of the EU, highlighted the threat posed by Iran's regime, which has been responsible for numerous deaths and supports terrorist organizations.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed fears that the breakdown of negotiations between the US and Iran could lead to a 'new, extensive war in the Middle East.'

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the unilateral military actions by the US and Israel, asserting that such actions escalate tensions and contribute to a more unstable international environment.

Condemnations from Global Leaders

European leaders collectively urged restraint and diplomatic engagement to ensure nuclear safety, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa calling for all parties to exercise maximum restraint and protect civilians.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization, harshly criticized the US and Israeli strikes, labeling them 'totally irresponsible' and warning of the potential for increased nuclear proliferation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the Israeli strikes and the accompanying US military actions, cautioning that the escalating conflict has brought the Middle East to the brink of disaster.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the 'unwarranted attacks' during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, while Russia's Foreign Ministry denounced the strikes as a 'pre-planned and unprovoked act of aggression,' calling for an immediate cessation of military actions and a return to diplomatic discussions.