International Reactions to US Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites

Web Editor

June 22, 2025

a group of men standing in front of a building that has been demolished and is surrounded by rubble

Iran: “Eternal Consequences”

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, tweeted that the events of this morning are “scandalous” and will have “eternal consequences.” He stated that Iran will defend itself “by all necessary means,” adding that the US has crossed many red lines, including a “very big and dangerous one” by attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The Guardians of the Revolution, Iran’s ideological military force, threatened the US with “repercussions they will regret.” Meanwhile, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization denounced the attack as a “barbaric act” violating international law but vowed to continue its nuclear program, stating, “despite the malicious conspiracies of its enemies, we will not allow the path of this national industry… to be halted.”

Israel: “The Decision Has Been Fulfilled”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US attack in a video message, stating that it will “change history.” He described the attacks as marking “a historic turning point” that could lead to a prosperous and peaceful future in the Middle East. Netanyahu emphasized, “First comes strength, then peace,” acknowledging the forceful action taken by President Trump and the US.

UN: “Dangerous Escalation”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the situation as a “dangerous escalation” in a region already on the brink of the abyss, posing a direct threat to global peace and security.

EU Calls for “Step Back” from All Parties

Kaja Kallas, the head of EU diplomacy, urged all parties involved to “step back” from further escalation and return to the negotiation table. She emphasized that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and announced that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday.

Russia Condemns “Irresponsible” Bombing

Russia strongly condemned the US bombing, calling it “irresponsible” and a violation of international law. The Russian diplomatic mission stated that attacking another state’s territory, regardless of the argument, is a clear breach of international law.

China Calls for “Special” Ceasefire from Israel

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US attacks, stating they contribute to a “dangerous escalation” in the Middle East. China urged all parties, especially Israel, to cease fire immediately.

UK Urges Iran to Return to Negotiations

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran to return to negotiations, emphasizing that “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.” He acknowledged the US actions in mitigating this threat and stressed that regional stability is a priority.

Germany Calls for Continued Negotiations with Iran

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor candidate, reiterated his call for Iran to start immediate negotiations with the US and Israel to achieve a diplomatic resolution.

France Calls for Moderation

France expressed concern over the bombings and called for moderation from all parties to prevent further escalation that could extend the conflict. The French diplomatic chief clarified that France did not participate in or plan the bombings.

Saudi Arabia Expresses “Great Concern”

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, stating they follow the situation with “great concern.”

Oman Calls for Immediate Descalation

Oman, acting as a mediator between the US and Iran in nuclear talks, condemned the attacks as an “illegal aggression” and called for an immediate de-escalation.

Iraq Condemns “Military Escalation”

The Iraqi government denounced the US attacks as a “military escalation” threatening Middle East security and regional stability.

Pakistan Supports Iran’s Right to Self-Defense

Pakistan, the world’s only Muslim nuclear power and US ally, condemned the bombings. The Pakistani foreign office stated that these attacks violate international law and affirmed Iran’s legitimate right to self-defense under the UN Charter.

Pope Leon XIV Calls for Peace

“The humanity cries out for peace” in response to alarming news from the Middle East, Pope Leon XIV said after the US bombings.

Houthi Rebels in Yemen Declare “War”

Houthi rebels in Yemen, allied with Iran, considered the US attacks a “declaration of war” against the Iranian people and stated their readiness to attack US ships in the Red Sea.

Hamas Condemns “Criminal Aggression”

The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, allied with Iran, condemned the attacks as “criminal.” They described it as a blatant example of forceful hegemony, a jungle law-based aggression, and a violation of all international norms and conventions.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What was the international reaction to the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites? – The reactions varied from condemnation, calls for de-escalation, and support for diplomatic resolutions to expressions of concern over potential conflict expansion.
  • How did Iran respond to the attacks? – Iran vowed to defend itself by all necessary means and continued its nuclear program, asserting its right to self-defense under international law.
  • What did key global leaders say about the situation? – Leaders like Netanyahu, Guterres, Kallas, Merz, and Pope Leon XIV expressed support for the US actions or called for peace and diplomacy.
  • How did regional powers react? – Russia condemned the attacks, China called for a ceasefire from Israel, Saudi Arabia expressed great concern, Oman demanded immediate de-escalation, Iraq denounced military escalation, Pakistan supported Iran’s self-defense rights, and Houthi rebels in Yemen declared war.
  • What was the response from international organizations? – The UN described it as a dangerous escalation, and the EU called for all parties to step back from further escalation.