U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States had conducted successful military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites to aid Israel in its effort to undermine Tehran’s nuclear and military capabilities. The operation was the first time that U.S. armed forces had become directly involved in the conflict, and it came roughly 48 hours after Trump issued a two-week deadline for Israel and Iran to reach a diplomatic solution before he decided on U.S. military intervention.
The surprise assault ignited fierce criticism from many foreign leaders, who fear that the U.S. attack could exacerbate the conflict. Among the most critical voices included the United Nations, China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern nations. On Sunday, China, Russia, and Pakistan reportedly proposed a draft resolution to the U.N. Security Council calling for an immediate, unconditional cease-fire in the region. The Security Council is due to meet on Sunday for an emergency session at Iran’s request.
At the same time, though, many nations stopped short of outright condemning Trump’s actions, instead focusing on the threat that Iran’s nuclear program poses to the region. These leaders called on Iran to return to the negotiating table within the framework of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), of which it is a member.
Here is how many global powers responded to the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video address: “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.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X: The U.S. strikes “are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” calling them a “grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT.” He later expressed frustration with calls for Tehran to “‘return’ to the table,” asking “how can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?” Iran and the United States had been scheduled to meet for another round of nuclear talks on June 15, but just before, Israel decided to launch a major military campaign against Iran. Tehran promptly canceled the talks in response and has insisted that it will not return to negotiations until Israel’s ongoing attacks cease.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on X: “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.”
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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron on X: “Following the overnight strikes, I called for de-escalation and for Iran to exercise the greatest restraint in this dangerous context to allow a return to diplomatic channels. Dialogue, a clear commitment from Iran to renounce its nuclear weapons, or the risk of the worst for the entire region. This is the only path that leads to peace and security for all.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot added in a statement that a lasting solution requires working within the NPT.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on X: “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.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on state-run TV: U.S. strikes “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and international law and exacerbate tensions in the Middle East,” adding that Beijing “strongly condemns” the strikes.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council, on Telegram: “Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the U.S.,” adding that “with this kind of success, Trump won’t win the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: Turkey is “deeply concerned about the potential consequences” of the U.S. attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, adding that the attack elevates the region’s risk to its “highest level.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: “These attacks violate all norms of international law. Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the U.N. Charter,” calling the U.S. strikes “deeply disturbing.”
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: Qatar stressed that it “regrets the deterioration” of the situation in its sister nation, Iran. While not naming the United States explicitly, it said the “current dangerous tension in the region could lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels.”
Oman’s Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement: The United States’ actions “threaten to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.” Oman was the site of scheduled nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran before Israel’s attack led to Tehran canceling talks.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote in a statement: Riyadh has “deep concern” for recent developments in Iran, but the kingdom stopped short of naming the United States directly, instead calling on all parties to “exercise restraint.”
Iraqi government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi said in a statement: “The continuation of such attacks risks dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world.”
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