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 development, calling it “the path of martyrs’ blood.”

Israel: “Promise Fulfilled”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the US attack in a video message, stating that it will “change history.” He described the strikes 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,” and commended President Trump for acting strongly.

UN: “Dangerous Escalation”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the attacks 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”

European Union diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas urged all parties to “step back, return to the negotiating table, and avoid any further escalation.” She emphasized that Iran should not develop nuclear weapons and that EU foreign ministers will discuss the situation on Monday.

Russia: “Irresponsible Bombing”

Russia strongly condemned the US bombing, calling it “irresponsible,” against its key Middle East ally. The Russian diplomatic mission stated that launching missiles and bombs on a sovereign state’s territory, regardless of the argument, blatantly violates international law.

China: Special Call to Israel for Ceasefire

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

UK Urges Iran to Return to Negotiations

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

Germany Calls for Continued Negotiations

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated his call for Iran to immediately start negotiations with the US and Israel to achieve a diplomatic solution.

France Calls for Moderation

France expressed concern over the US bombings and called for “moderation from all parties to prevent any escalation that could lead to conflict expansion.” The French diplomatic chief clarified that France neither participated in nor planned the bombings.

Spain Demands “De-escalation” and More Negotiations

Spain called for a “de-escalation,” stating that military solutions won’t bring peace and stability to the Middle East. Instead, diplomacy is key, and all parties should return to negotiations.

Saudi Arabia: “Great Concern”

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed “great concern” over the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, threatening regional security and stability.

Oman Calls for Immediate De-escalation

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

Iraq: Military Escalation

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

Pakistan: 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 Leo XIV: “Humanity Demands Peace”

“Humanity cries out and demands peace” in response to alarming Middle East news, Pope Leo XIV said after the US bombings. He urged all parties to seek peace.

Houthi Rebels: “Declaration of War”

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

Hamas: “Criminal Aggression”

Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, allied with Iran and engaged in a 20-month conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip, condemned the attacks as “criminal.” They described it as a blatant example of force-based hegemony, a jungle law aggression, and an international norms violation.