Reactions poured in from leaders around the world over Saturday’s major military strikes by the US and Israel in Iran, which US President Donald Trump said was aimed at toppling the Iranian regime.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “use of force”, adding that the move was inconsistent with the UN Charter.
“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and Iran’s subsequent retaliation across the region, undermines international peace and security,” he said in a statement.
Hours after the US and Israeli strikes, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli bases in places like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
How countries in the region responded
A statement from Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said it “condemns in the strongest terms” Iran’s attacks on countries in the region but did not mention the US attacks in its statement.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi has spoken with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
“Continued military escalation will bring more suffering to the people of the region and undermine development opportunities,” he said.
The Qatari foreign ministry said Doha had “the full right to respond” to Iran’s attacks, although it has always insisted that all sides facilitate dialogue.
“The State of Qatar has consistently sought to stay away from regional conflicts and has worked to facilitate dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community,” the statement said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was “saddened” by news of the strike on Saturday.
“We view with sadness this morning’s attack, which not only clearly violates Iran’s sovereignty but threatens the peace of the friendly and brotherly Iranian people.” Erdogan said Iran’s strikes against Arab states were “as such” unacceptable.
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A statement from its foreign ministry said Russia, the US and Israel, which share several key strategic interests with Iran, had “started down a dangerous path”.
“This is a deliberate, premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” the statement said.
How did other global powers respond?
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing was “extremely concerned” by the attack on Iran, saying it must respect Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.
“China calls for an immediate cessation of military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and consultation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement said.
The European Union expressed concern but did not make clear whether the bloc would support or oppose the US move.
“Ensuring nuclear security and preventing any actions that could escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime are of critical importance,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said in a joint statement.
In a separate statement posted to social media, van der Leyen said he was convening the EU’s “Special Security College” on Monday in light of the ongoing situation in Iran.
The EU called on “all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and fully respect international law”.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the situation “dangerous”.
“The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel and Iran would have serious consequences for international peace and security,” he said.
British Prime Minister Keir Stormer said in a video statement that his country “played no role in these strikes”.
“But we have been clear for a long time – the regime in Iran is absolutely disgusting,” he said.
He said that the UK is strengthening its defense capability in the region in light of the current situation.
“Our forces are active and British aircraft are in the skies today as part of coordinated regional defense operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies – as Britain has done before, in accordance with international law,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government supported US action “to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from threatening international peace and security”.
How Canada has responded so far
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Saturday morning that Canada “supports the work of the United States to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.”
Carney called on all parties to “protect civilian life as best as possible in a very critical situation”.
Global Affairs Canada is urging all Canadians in Iran to seek asylum immediately and register with its Canadians Abroad Registration Service for its latest updates.
Travel advisories for Canadians in Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been updated, warning of “ongoing military activity” in the region.
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(tags to translate)Iran
