On Sunday, the U.S. military carried out attacks on three major nuclear sites in Iran, marking Washington's direct intervention in a region already on edge. President Trump hailed the strikes in a televised address, declaring the operations had completely obliterated Iran's enrichment facilities and urging the country to make peace.
Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace.
The operation sparked a wave of reactions worldwide. Here's how different voices weighed in:
Strong Condemnations
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled the strikes as outrageous and accused the U.S., a UN Security Council member, of violating the UN Charter and the NPT. He warned Tehran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty.
- Atomic Energy Organization of Iran called the attacks a barbaric act that violates international law, vowing that national nuclear development would continue.
- Hamas condemned the aggression as a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of international law.
- Houthi spokesperson Mohamed al-Farah warned the strikes marked the beginning of war.
Backing from Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Trump, saying the operation would help lead the Middle East and beyond to a future of prosperity and peace and fulfill his pledge to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Calls for Diplomacy
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged restraint, warning of a dangerous escalation and stressing that there is no military solution.
- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the situation as extremely worrying, urging a swift return to diplomatic talks.
- Australian government spokesperson labeled regional tensions highly volatile, calling for dialogue and de-escalation.
- Mexican Foreign Ministry made an urgent call for diplomatic dialogue, citing its pacifist foreign policy principles.
Warnings of Wider Conflict
- U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused President Trump of risking American entanglement in a disastrous war by bypassing congressional authorization.
- Congresswoman Sara Jacobs cautioned that the strikes could draw the U.S. into another endless and deadly war.
Latin American Outcry
- Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the military aggression and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.
- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel denounced the bombings as a dangerous escalation that violates the UN Charter.
As tensions soar, global players remain split between backing the U.S. action and pushing for a diplomatic exit strategy. With stakes rising, the world watches to see if cooler heads will prevail or if the region edges closer to a broader conflict.
Reference(s):
World reacts to U.S. attacks on Iran with UN calling for de-escalation
cgtn.com
