The airstrikes, which occurred early Friday morning, have been attributed to Israel, who claims they were targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian media reports that several nuclear scientists and high-ranking military officials were killed.

While the U.S. did not participate in the strikes, President Donald Trump was reportedly briefed beforehand.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated,”We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” Washington has been engaged in negotiations with Tehran to reach a new nuclear agreement, expressing a preference for a diplomatic resolution over military action.

According to an Israeli military spokesperson, Iran has launched approximately 100 drones toward Israeli territory, which Israel is attempting to intercept.A state of emergency has been declared in Israel.

These attacks have amplified concerns about potential widespread conflict in a region already grappling with instability, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Global Response to the Airstrikes

Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he had previously cautioned Iran about the strength of U.S. military equipment,”and that Israel has a lot of it,with much more to come – And they know how to use it.”

He also urged Iran to pursue a nuclear deal “before there is nothing left,” implying the possibility of more severe future strikes.

U.K.prime Minister Kier Starmer described the reports of strikes as “concerning” and urged those involved to “step back and reduce tensions urgently.”

Starmer added in a post on X, “Stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”

British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated that any further escalation was “a serious threat to peace & stability in the region and in no one’s interest.”

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, echoed similar sentiments, calling for “all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid any escalation likely to compromise regional stability.”

In a social media post, Barrot also mentioned France’s previous concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

According to a translation, Barrot stated, “We reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself against any attack,” adding that it was essential to ease tensions through diplomatic channels, and that France was committed to this.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz conveyed a similar message in a series of posts on social media platform X, stating Germany was ready to influence the conflicting parties with all available diplomatic tools.

According to a translation,merz stated,”We affirm that Israel has the right to defend its existence and the safety of its citizens. We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to a further escalation and could destabilize the entire region.”

Merz added, “The goal has to remain that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.”

Malaysian prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned Israel’s attack, warning of further regional destabilization.

In a post on social media platform X, Ibrahim stated, “Malaysia calls on Israel’s partners – especially those with influence and leverage – to apply maximum pressure to halt further aggression.”

According to a translation of a state media report, China’s ministry of foreign affairs called for de-escalation and offered assistance.

Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning Israel’s strikes, stating that unprovoked attacks of sovereign United Nations members were “categorically unacceptable,” according to a translation.

Heightened Concerns

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that “the situation in the Middle East is dangerous.”

In a post on social media platform X, she added, “Diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation.”

A spokesperson for United Nations General-secretary António Guterres stated that the U.N. chief condemned “any military escalation in the Middle East” and called for “maximum restraint.”

In a statement, the spokesperson said, “He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between iran and the United States on the status of iran’s nuclear program are underway.”

Reactions from the Middle East

Numerous leaders from the Middle East region have also shared their reactions, as markets monitor the potential for a broader conflict.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry stated it denounced “the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.”

While relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran have been strained, the two countries re-established ties in 2023.

According to a statement by the country’s foreign ministry, the United Arab Emirates also condemned Israel’s strikes “and expressed its deep concern over the ongoing escalation and its repercussions on regional security and stability.”

It added,”The UAE emphasized the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means rather than confrontation and escalation,and called on the United Nations Security council to take urgent and necessary measures to achieve a ceasefire,and to reinforce international peace and security.”

The UAE is among the Arab nations to have established some form of diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Qatari foreign ministry called the attacks “a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security,as well as a clear breach of international law and its established principles.”

Turkey stated that “Israel must immediately cease its aggressive actions that could lead to broader conflicts.” In a statement, Ankara reiterated that it did “not want to see any more bloodshed and destruction in the Middle East.”

“Stability in the Middle east must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint…”