World Leaders Split Over US Strike On Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

Massive reactions have trailed the United States’ bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, an unprecedented move that has raised fears of a broader regional conflict and drawn sharply divided responses from global leaders.

While some hailed the action as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, others condemned it as a violation of international law that could ignite a catastrophic war.

President Donald Trump described the strikes as a “very successful” operation.

“We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

“All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of bombs was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.”

He warned Tehran against any retaliation stating, “There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran. Remember, there are many targets left.”

In his reactions, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.

“I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”

The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, supported the move, stating that Iran should never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon”

“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat.

“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

The UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, subsequently claried that the UK did not take part in the strikes, urging for restraints from Iran.

“The UK did not participate in these strikes. The U.S. has taken action to alleviate the threat that would pose to the global community. Iran must never have a nuclear weapon.

“We urge Iran to show restraint and reach a diplomatic solution to end the crisis.”

For the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she offered support to the destruction of the nuclear sites, but also emphasized diplomacy.

“Iran must never acquire the bomb. With tensions in the Middle East at a new peak, stability must be the priority. And respect for international law is critical.“

Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution. The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” von der Leyen said.

The EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas, echoed a call for restraint, to prevent further escalation of hostilities.

“Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security. I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.

“EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow,” she added.

Consequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the US strike, calling it “A historic decision”.

“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.

“History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons,” Netanyahu said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran strongly condemned the strikes, threatening “Everlasting consequences”.

Araghchi said, “The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the (nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.

“The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences. Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behaviour.

“In accordance with the UN Charter and its provisions allowing a legitimate response in self-defence, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people,” he stated.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the U.S. move, writing on X, “We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

“The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences,” Díaz-Canel said.

Also, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván voiced strong opposition to the strike.

He said, “Venezuela condemns U.S. military aggression against Iran and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes.”

Mexican Foreign Ministry called for restraint and “Diplomatic dialogue for peace”

“The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict.

“In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist conviction, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region,” the ministry stated.

Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed alarm at the escalation of hostilities leading to the bombing and warned of “Dangerous tension” if it is allowed to continue.

“The State of Qatar regrets the deterioration of the situation following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities and is following with great concern the developments following the recent attacks on the sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns that the dangerous tension currently witnessed in the region will lead to catastrophic repercussions at the regional and international levels,” it said.

Also, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed “Grave concern at the development and called for calm.

“It is crucial that there be a quick de-escalation of the conflict. We are closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern.”

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed diplomacy, stating, “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.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the “Ongoing military action is extremely worrying,” calling for peaceful dialogue.

He added, “We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump’s announcement of U.S. strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran.

“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided.

“New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

Furthermore, Australian Government Spokesperson acknowledged the complexity of the situation and called for peace.

“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security.

“We note the U.S. 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maryam Rajavi, Leader of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, welcomed the development and called on Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei to resign.

“Now Khamenei must go. The Iranian people welcome the end of the war and seek peace and freedom.

“Khamenei is responsible for an unpatriotic project that, in addition to costing countless lives, has cost the Iranian people at least $2tn – and now, it has all gone up in smoke.”

World Leaders Split Over US Strike On Iran’s Nuclear Facilities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper