Newsman: The world’s reaction on United States’ decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites was as an action that would “deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
The United Nations and some leaders from Britain to Mexico called for swift de-escalation while other longtime U.S. adversaries such as Cuba and Venezuela were deeply critical of the attacks.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control − with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world,” U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of U.S. force on Iran.
European leaders urged calm as Mideast anxieties escalated.
“With tensions in the Middle East at a new peak, stability must be the priority,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on X. “Respect for international law is critical.” She called for Iran “to engage in a credible diplomatic solution.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, called for deescalation and urged Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations to address the “grave threat” of its nuclear program. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed that call and urged Iran “to exercise the utmost restraint in this dangerous context.”
Iran’s Foreighn Minister Araghchi accused both Israel and Washington of deliberately sabotaging diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program.
“Last week, we were in negotiations with the U.S. when Israel decided to blow up that diplomacy. This week, we held talks with the E3/EU when the US decided to blow up that diplomacy,” Araghchi said on X. “What conclusion would you draw?”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry “strongly condemned” the U.S. airstrikes, calling them “a gross violation of international law.” In its statement on Telegram, the ministry said the attacks marked “a dangerous escalation … fraught with further undermining of regional and global security.” China also condemned the U.S. action.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, reported no increase in off-site radiation levels following the strikes.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a post on X that he was calling an emergency meeting for Monday following the U.S. strikes “in light of the urgent situation in Iran.”
European Council President António Costa also urged diplomacy. “I call on all parties to show restraint and respect for international law and nuclear safety. Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region,” he said on X.
