The United States’ airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday drew swift and strong reactions from across the globe, with world leaders voicing grave concerns over potential regional escalation and calling for restraint.

The strikes—Washington’s first direct military involvement in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Tehran—came shortly after US President Donald Trump indicated he would take up to two weeks to decide on military action.

Despite Trump describing the operation as a “spectacular success,” Iran insisted no irreversible damage had occurred to nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and warned of far-reaching repercussions.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” Araghchi posted on X, calling the attack “lawless and criminal.”
“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defense, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” he added.

Iran’s atomic energy agency called the strikes a “barbaric act that violates international law.”

“The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran assures the great nation of Iran... it will not let the path of development of this national industry (nuclear), which is the result of the blood of nuclear martyrs, be stopped,” it said in a statement via state media.

China, through its state-run CGTN, issued a stern warning against the US action.

“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilization,” CGTN’s flash commentary said, calling the strikes “a dangerous turning point.”

Pakistan also condemned the attacks, despite recently endorsing Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.

“Iran has a right to defend itself under the UN Charter,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on X, adding that the strikes “violate all norms of international law.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of 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.
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in contrast, praised the operation.

“Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
“America has been truly unsurpassed... My commitment to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities has been fulfilled.”

The Palestinian group Hamas harshly criticized the US.

“This brutal aggression is a dangerous escalation,” Hamas said.
“A flagrant violation of international law, and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

Saudi Arabia expressed concern on X, stating it was watching developments in Iran closely.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with great concern the developments in the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran, represented by the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized diplomacy while defending the US rationale.

“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” he posted.
“We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

In the US, Democrats sharply rebuked President Trump.

“President Trump misled the country about his intentions, failed to seek congressional authorization... and risks American entanglement in a potentially disastrous war,” said House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences.”

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters called the situation one of the most serious he has dealt with.

“Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,” Peters said.

Japan and South Korea convened emergency meetings, while Australia reaffirmed its diplomatic stance, having already evacuated embassy staff from Tehran.

“The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” an Australian official stated.