The international community is highly concerned over military strikes against Iran launched by the United States and Israel, with world leaders calling for restraint, dialogue and respect for international law.
The United States and Israel on Saturday launched a surprise strike on Iran, prompting Iranian missile attacks on Israel and U.S. targets across several countries in the region.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, a major mediator in U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, expressed on Saturday his dismay over U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, adding that active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined.
The strikes neither serve the U.S. interests nor the cause of global peace, he said, urging the United States not to get sucked in further, adding that this is not the war of the United States.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Saturday that the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes were a premeditated and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign United Nations member state in direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law.
The ministry demanded an immediate return to political and diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions surrounding Iran.
Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said in a social media post that all U.S. negotiations with Iran were a cover operation in which no significant results were intended, and the "peacemaker" has once again showed his face.
European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement that developments related to Iran were greatly concerning, adding that the Europe Union (EU) remains in close contact with its partners in the region.
Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime are of critical importance, they said in the statement, adding that the EU has consistently promoted diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the nuclear and ballistic programs through a negotiated solution.
Britain said it stands ready to protect its interests in the Middle East and does not want the crisis to expand into a wider regional conflict, a government spokesperson said.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the outbreak of war against Iran by the United States and Israel carries grave consequences for international peace and security.
In a post on social media platform X, Macron said the ongoing escalation is dangerous for all and must stop, adding that France stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners, should they request it.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed concerns about the attack.
The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but it is not in line with international law, the minister said in a statement. Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat, he said.
He called on all parties to exercise restraint and not abandon efforts to seek a diplomatic solution.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain rejects the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, adding that the action will heighten tensions and contribute to a more uncertain and hostile international order.
He demanded an immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law.
Bulgaria's caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov stressed that Bulgaria will never participate in the U.S.-Israel joint attacks on Iran, and he called on parties to make efforts to find ways to ease the situation.
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar urged all parties to immediately cease military operations and engage in dialogue, stressing that the current conflict is causing a serious escalation of tensions in the Middle East, threatening regional peace and stability.
World reacts to US-Israeli attack on Iran with deep concerns, calls for dialogue
