World leaders react to US attack on Iran
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People watching US President Donald Trump deliver his remarks on their phones as they stand outside the White House on June 21.
PHOTO: ERIC LEE/NYTIMES
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The United States struck three Iranian nuclear sites on June 21,
Here is a roundup of the key reactions:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a recorded statement
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history... History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations. The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour. In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement
“I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region and the world. I call on member states to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
Mr Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s security council, on Telegram:
Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the US. With this kind of success, Trump won’t win the Nobel Peace Prize.
China’s foreign ministry:
China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the US seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.
China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation.
China stands ready to work with the international community to pool efforts together and uphold justice, and work for restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat. The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s comment to reporters
“It is crucial that there be a quick de-escalation of the conflict. We are closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on X
“Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security. I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation. EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on state broadcaster RAI
“Now we hope that, after this attack, which caused massive damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region, a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table.”
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters in a statement
“We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump’s announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided. New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Australian government spokesperson in a statement
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security. We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Telegram
“Venezuela condemns US military aggression against Iran and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the state of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan complexes.”
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry on X
“The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region. The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on X
“We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.” REUTERS
