Global leaders reacted swiftly after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, with calls ranging from restraint and respect for international law to outright condemnation and support for Washington’s actions.
Governments across Europe, Asia and the Middle East issued statements as the conflict threatens to widen across the region.
Here is how key countries and blocs responded:
EU calls the situation ‘perilous’, urge ‘maximum restraint’
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa said developments in Iran were “greatly concerning.”
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law,” the two leaders said in a joint statement reported by Al Jazeera.
They added that, in coordination with EU member states, steps would be taken to ensure EU citizens in the region “can count on our full support.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the latest developments across the Middle East as “perilous.”
“Iran’s regime has killed thousands. Its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes, along with support for terror groups, pose a serious threat to global security,” she said, adding that the EU had imposed sanctions on Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue.
Kallas said the bloc was coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths and emphasised that protection of civilians and international humanitarian law remained a priority. She also noted that the EU’s Aspides naval mission was on high alert in the Red Sea to help keep maritime corridors open, according to Reuters.
Spain calls for de-escalation, respect for law
Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares said Madrid was closely monitoring developments and demanded adherence to international law.
“Violence only brings chaos. De-escalation and dialogue are the path to peace and stability,” Albares wrote on X.
He added that all of Spain’s embassies in the region remained operational for Spanish citizens.
Malaysia condemns Israeli strikes, US action
Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran and the accompanying US military action, warning that the escalating conflict had pushed the Middle East to the “edge of catastrophe.”
Anwar described Israel’s initiation of the strikes as a “vile attempt” to derail ongoing negotiations and draw other nations into a broader conflict. He called for an “immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities,” according to AP.
Qatar condemns Iranian missile attack
Qatar’s foreign ministry said the country “reserves the right of response” following what it described as an Iranian missile attack on its territory.
Iran in its retaliatory strikes has targeted multiple US military facilities in the region and several US allies, including Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan.
In a statement, the Qatar ministry said it strongly condemns the targeting of Qatari territory with ballistic missiles, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, a direct assault on its security and an unacceptable escalation threatening regional stability, according to Aljazeera.
Australia backs US efforts
Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese said Iran’s nuclear programme had long been viewed as a threat to global peace and security.
“The international community has been clear that the Iranian regime can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Albanese said in a post on X.
He noted that the united nations security council had reimposed sanctions on Iran and that the international atomic energy agency Board had declared Iran in non-compliance with its safeguards obligations.
“We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security,” he said.
Norway questions legality of strike
Norway’s foreign minister Espen Barth Eide expressed deep concern that a new, extensive war could begin in the Middle East.
“The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat,” he said in a statement to Reuters.
He urged restraint and called for continued diplomatic efforts.
Russia criticises US, calls talks a ‘cover’
Russia’s former president and current deputy chairman of its security council, Dmitry Medvedev, sharply criticised US President Donald Trump.
“The peacemaker once again showed his face,” Medvedev said. “All negotiations with Iran are a cover operation. No one doubted it. No one really wanted to negotiate anything.”
“The question is who has more patience to wait for the inglorious end of their enemy. The USA is only 249 years old. The Persian Empire was founded more than 2,500 years ago. Let's see in 100 years…”
Belgium: ‘Iranian people must not pay the price’
Belgium’s foreign minister Maxime Prévot said civilians should not bear the consequences of escalating tensions.
“The Iranian people must not pay the price for their government’s choices,” Prevot said. “We deeply regret that diplomatic efforts could not lead earlier to a negotiated solution," according to Aljazeera.
He underscored the need to revive diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Pakistan calls for urgent diplomacy
Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar “strongly condemned the unwarranted attacks against Iran and called for an immediate halt to escalation through urgent resumption of diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, negotiated resolution to the crisis”.
Islamabad’s response adds to calls from several countries seeking de-escalation and a return to negotiations.