International calls for restraint after U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran

International calls for restraint after U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran
Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, Iran, after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on the country on February 28, 2026.
Reuters

The international reaction to the U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran came in fast and strong.

Leaders of the European Union issued a joint statement calling for “maximum restraint” and the full respect of international law.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said:

“Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.”

While noting that the EU had consistently pressed for a diplomatic solution to the “critical issues”, they also highlighted the “extensive sanctions” the bloc has imposed on Tehran “in response to the actions of Iran’s murderous regime and the Revolutionary Guards”.

They added that citizens of EU member states in the Middle East were receiving support.

ICAN condemns the strikes

Meanwhile, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) condemned the U.S. and Israel over the attack on Iran. The Nobel Prize-winning group’s Executive Director, Melissa Parke, said:

“These attacks are totally irresponsible and risk provoking further escalation as well as increasing the danger of nuclear proliferation and the use of nuclear weapons.”

“Military action is not a viable or long-term solution to prevent nuclear proliferation. All military action must stop immediately,” she added.

Russia says 'halt immediately'

Russia has called for "a return to a political and diplomatic settlement" while urging an immediate stop to U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying the international community should deliver an objective assessment of the situation, and warning that further action risks destabilising the region.

Moscow said that it is ready to assist efforts to find "peaceful solutions based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests."

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