Countries worldwide expressed concerns about a potential conflict in the Middle East following the initiation of strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, with Iran retaliating by targeting US bases in the region.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vowed to deliver severe punishment to those responsible for the death of supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as confirmed by state television. The Guards stated that the Iranian nation would seek decisive retribution for the murder of the Imam of the Ummah.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the recent events, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and a de-escalation of tensions. He emphasized that the attacks by both sides were detrimental to international peace and security. UN rights chief Volker Turk warned that further attacks would only lead to death, destruction, and human suffering.
The European Union condemned Iran for its unjustifiable attacks on the United Arab Emirates, labeling them as a violation of sovereignty and international law. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers to address the situation.
Russia criticized the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, cautioning that they could bring about a potential humanitarian, economic, and even radiological catastrophe in the region. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that there was no evidence of any radiological impact so far but called for restraint.
China called for an immediate cessation of military actions, emphasizing the importance of respecting Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Qatar, hosting a US military base, condemned an Iranian missile attack on its soil and asserted its right to respond to the aggression.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would not be mourned following his confirmed death. Norway and South Africa criticized Israel and the US for violating international law with their strikes on Iran, urging maximum restraint.
India advocated for dialogue and diplomacy while emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. The UK, France, and Germany jointly condemned Iran’s retaliatory strikes and expressed concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict into a broader regional war.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister vowed that his country would not be dragged into war, following Israel’s strikes targeting Iran proxy Hezbollah in south Lebanon. Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, declared that “final victory” was near after the strikes, calling for a collective effort to reclaim and rebuild Iran.
Various nations and organizations, including Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, Ukraine, the Red Cross, the African Union, and New Zealand, also issued statements condemning the escalating tensions and calling for de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for international law to prevent further harm and instability in the region.