The United States’ attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities has drawn sharp global reaction, with international leaders and humanitarian agencies calling for de-escalation, renewed diplomacy, and respect for international law.

Several Arab countries have swiftly issued statements expressing concern and urging de-escalation.

Oman, which had been acting as a mediator in nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran, issued a strong condemnation of the strikes. The Gulf state said it “expresses deep concern, denunciation and condemnation of the escalation resulting from the direct air strikes launched by the United States”.

Saudi Arabia, a key regional ally of the US, denounced “the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and stresses the need for restraint”, while calling on the international community “to redouble efforts in these extremely sensitive circumstances to reach a political solution”.

Qatar’s foreign ministry also reacted with alarm, stating that the rising “dangerous tensions will lead to disastrous repercussions at the regional and international levels.” It added that it “hopes that all parties will exercise wisdom and restraint at this time.”

Egypt echoed similar concerns, warning against "the dangers of the region sliding into further chaos and tension," and emphasized that "political solutions and diplomatic negotiations, not a military solution, are the only way out of the crisis".

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun expressed grave concern, stating that "the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities raises the level of fear of an escalation of tensions that would threaten security and stability in more than one region and country".

European leaders also expressed deep concern over the consequences of the strike warning against further escalation in the Middle East.

European Council President Antonio Costa urged “respect for international law and nuclear safety” in light of the developments.

“Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region. Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” Costa said, adding that he is alarmed by the latest developments.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Stability must be the priority” and called for “Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution.”
“The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” she said.

Germany’s Chancellor Merz has also called on Tehran to resume talks. A German government spokesperson said Merz urged Iran to immediately re-enter nuclear negotiations with the United States so a diplomatic resolution can be achieved.

Iran, however, rejected the notion that it had walked away from diplomacy. In a social media post, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi questioned, “How can Iran return to something it never left, let alone blew up?”

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned of “irreversible consequences” if the situation spirals into a wider war.

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“The intensification and spread of major military operations in the Middle East risk engulfing the region – and the world – in a war with irreversible consequences,” ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

“The world cannot absorb limitless war. Upholding international humanitarian law is not a choice – it is an obligation. Civilians must be spared from the conduct of hostilities,” she said.

Spoljaric noted that the ICRC has delegations in both Iran and Israel and is scaling up operations to meet rising humanitarian needs.
“[However], no humanitarian response can substitute for political will to prioritise peace, stability and human life,” she added.

In the UK, Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that Britain was informed ahead of the strike but was not asked to participate or allow the use of its Diego Garcia base.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who earlier endorsed the US move, is set to consult with allies. “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,” Starmer had said.

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also joined the chorus urging restraint.

“Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security,” she said in a post on X.

“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.

Source: with inputs from BBC, Al Jazeera