World reacts to US attacks on Iran

New York [US], June 23: United Nations "I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
"This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge - and a direct threat to international peace and security", he said, adding that there is a "growing risk" that this conflict could "rapidly get out of control - with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world". Guterres called on member states to "de-escalate" and "uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law".
Hamas
In a statement, the Palestinian armed group said it condemned "in the strongest terms the brazen aggression of the United States against the territory and sovereignty of Iran".
"The US aggression against Iran is a dangerous escalation, blind obedience to the occupiers' agenda, and a clear violation of international law," Hamas said. "We declare our solidarity with Iran, its leadership, and its people, and we have full confidence in Iran's ability to defend its sovereignty."
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia expressed its "great concern" following the US attacks, according to a statement by the foreign ministry on X.
"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," the Saudi foreign ministry posted on X.
The kingdom "expresses the need to exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation".
Oman
Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between the US and Iran, has strongly condemned the US strikes.
The Gulf state "expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran," the official Oman News Agency said.
Iraq
Iraq has warned the US attacks on its neighbour Iran's nuclear facilities threaten peace and stability in the Middle East. "This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability," government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said.
Russia
The deputy head of President Vladimir Putin's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said several nations would be ready to provide Iran with nuclear weapons. He did not say which countries, but added the US attack caused minimal damage and would not stop Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
China
The foreign ministry said it "strongly condemns" US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, that "seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East".
"China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation," the ministry said on X.
United Kingdom
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Iran to return to the negotiating table and said that stability in the region remained a priority, according to a statement from Downing Street.
"Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat," Starmer said.
European Union
The EU's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.
"I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation," Kallas wrote on X.
France
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has expressed concern and urged "the parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation likely to lead to an extension of the conflict".
In a statement on X, he added that France was "convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty".
Germany
Chancellor Frederick Merz has called on Iran to immediately re-enter nuclear talks with the US so there can be a diplomatic solution, according to government spokesperson.
"The Chancellor and security cabinet ministers will coordinate closely with their European Union and US partners throughout the day," spokesman Stefan Kornelius said in a statement.
Italy
"Now we hope that, after this attack, which caused massive damage to nuclear weapons production and posed a threat to the entire region, a de-escalation can begin and Iran can sit down at the negotiating table," Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told state broadcaster RAI.
Switzerland
Switzerland has urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and immediately return to diplomacy, after the United States joined Israel's war with Tehran by striking Iranian nuclear sites.
"Switzerland emphasises the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law," the foreign ministry said on its website.
Japan
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters that it is crucial that there is a quick de-escalation of the conflict. "We are closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern," he said.
Australia
"We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security," the Australian government spokesperson said.
"We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace," he said, adding that the security situation in the region is "highly volatile".
New Zealand
"We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran," Foreign Minister Winston Peters said. "Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided," he said.
Mexico
"The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict, Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on their X account.
Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly condemned the US bombing, saying it constituted a "dangerous escalation" and a serious violation of the UN Charter.
Source: Qatar Tribune