European nations including France, Germany and the United Kingdom adopted a cautious stance. In a joint statement, they expressed concern about the widening conflict, condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighbouring countries, and reiterated that diplomacy — not force — is essential to address the underlying issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran Launches Major Retaliatory Strikes After Death of Supreme Leader in US-Israel Attack
Global Leaders Call for Restraint and Diplomacy After US-Israel Strike That Killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Governments and international organisations around the world have reacted strongly to the unprecedented joint military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran — an operation that reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian figures, triggering widespread regional instability.
United Nations and Western Governments
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalating military actions, urging all parties to cease hostilities and return to negotiations. He stressed that the violence undermines international peace and security and carries the risk of a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians.
European nations including France, Germany and the United Kingdom adopted a cautious stance. In a joint statement, they expressed concern about the widening conflict, condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes on neighbouring countries, and reiterated that diplomacy — not force — is essential to address the underlying issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.
Other Western nations also called for restraint. Canada expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself while emphasising the need to protect civilians. Australia backed the strikes but echoed diplomatic calls to prevent further escalation.
Russia and China: Strong Condemnation
Russia denounced the US-Israel operation as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression” against a sovereign United Nations member state and faulted Washington and Tel Aviv for risking a humanitarian catastrophe. Moscow also offered to mediate peace and urged an immediate halt to violence.
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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi called the attacks “unacceptable,” especially amid ongoing negotiations, and pressed for an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue. Beijing warned against unilateral military actions that undermine Iran’s sovereignty and threatened regional stability.
Middle East and Regional Responses
Many countries in the Middle East condemned Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on their territories. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait described the attacks as violations of their sovereignty and warned of serious consequences if hostilities continue.
Oman, which had been facilitating negotiations between Tehran and Washington, criticised the US-Israel strike as a violation of international law and urged all sides to resume talks.
Broader Global Calls for Peace
Across Latin America and other regions, governments expressed regret over the breakdown in diplomacy and called for de-escalation. Some condemned both the initial strike and subsequent retaliations, stressing that military action will only exacerbate instability.
In capitals from Europe to Asia, leaders are now urging a return to diplomatic channels to prevent further bloodshed and stem the spread of conflict beyond the Middle East.
