The recent US strike on Iran has sparked global concern, with leaders and officials from around the world urging restraint and a return to diplomacy to prevent further escalation of violence in the Middle East.
The attack, which took place early Sunday, marks Washington’s direct involvement in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Tehran. Although US President Donald Trump had initially suggested he would decide within two weeks whether to intervene, the decision came within days. The extent of the damage from the US strike remains unclear, but Iran has vowed to retaliate if Washington aligns itself militarily with Israel.
The move has heightened fears that the conflict could spread beyond Israel and Iran, potentially drawing in other actors across the Gulf region. Some observers have questioned whether a weakened Iran might back down or instead strike back at US interests in collaboration with regional allies.
Global Reactions
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern, warning of potentially dire consequences.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”
New Zealand
New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the situation as “the most serious I’ve ever dealt with,” urging all sides to return to the negotiating table.
He declined to comment on whether New Zealand supported President Trump’s decision, saying the events had only just unfolded.
“Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,” Peters said.
China
China’s state-run media voiced sharp criticism through an online commentary by CGTN, raising comparisons to the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.
“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,” it said.
The piece questioned whether the US was repeating “its Iraq mistake in Iran” and called for a “measured, diplomatic approach” that emphasizes dialogue.
Japan
In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was expected to convene a high-level meeting Sunday afternoon to assess the consequences of the US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, according to public broadcaster NHK..
South Korea
South Korea’s presidential office announced plans to hold an emergency meeting to evaluate the strike’s security and economic implications and consider appropriate responses.
Australia
Australia, which closed its embassy in Tehran and evacuated its staff on Friday, reiterated its support for diplomacy.
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,” a government spokesperson said in a written statement.
“We note the US President’s statement that now is the time for peace.”
“The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”
As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains focused on avoiding a broader regional conflict and finding a peaceful resolution through diplomatic efforts.
Courtesy: AP
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
