Global Leaders React to US-Israel Strikes on Iran

After the military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, global leaders have expressed strong reactions, raising concerns and deep divisions worldwide. Countries like France and the European Union have quickly called for de-escalation and restraint, while Russia condemned the attacks, labeling them as an 'armed aggression'. Meanwhile, nations such as Australia have voiced their support for the US, whereas Pakistan and Spain have urged for diplomatic efforts to prevent a larger conflict. Iran has vowed to respond decisively, accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of violating international law, as fears of a significant regional conflict escalate.

On Saturday, India expressed its deep concern regarding the recent situation in the Middle East following the joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, emphasized the need for 'dialogue and diplomacy' to resolve the tensions among all parties involved. He mentioned that the Indian mission is in constant contact with Indian citizens in the region, advising them to remain vigilant. Jaiswal urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, and prioritize the safety of civilians. He stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation and called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.

The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, describing them as 'premeditated and unwarranted armed aggression against a sovereign and independent member state of the United Nations'. The ministry called for an immediate halt to military operations and a return to diplomacy. In a statement posted on Telegram, it accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to change the regime in Tehran under the guise of concerns over Iran's nuclear program. Russia deemed the bombing of nuclear facilities, which fall under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as unacceptable and expressed its readiness to mediate for a peaceful resolution. It held the US and Israel fully responsible for the rising tensions.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the unjust attacks by Israel and the US on Iran, demanding an immediate end to the conflict. Dar made these remarks during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, who reached out following the attacks on his country. According to a statement from the Foreign Office, Dar and Araghchi reviewed the evolving situation in Iran and the broader region. Dar strongly denounced the unjust attacks against Iran and called for an immediate resumption of diplomacy to peacefully resolve the crisis through dialogue.

The UK government stated on Saturday that it did not participate in the attacks carried out by the US and Israel on Iran and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent the conflict from escalating in the broader region. Downing Street announced that Prime Minister Keir Starmer would chair an emergency ministerial meeting to discuss strengthening the UK's defense capabilities in the area. A government spokesperson highlighted that the immediate priority is the safety of British citizens present in the region, who will receive diplomatic assistance around the clock.