World leaders and international organisations responded swiftly to Israel’s large-scale strikes on Iran, expressing deep concern over rising tensions and the potential for regional war.
While the United States reaffirmed its support for Israel and placed military forces on alert, other major powers, including Russia, China, and the United Nations, condemned the escalation and urged all sides to return to diplomacy. From London to Riyadh, capitals called for restraint as fears mount over the fallout of Operation Rising Lion.
United States response
U.S. President Donald Trump is receiving regular updates and has placed U.S. Central Command on high alert. According to Fox News, the U.S. is prepared to defend both itself and Israel if Iran retaliates.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Israel had notified the U.S. before launching the operation but emphasised that the U.S. was not involved in the attack itself.
Russia condemns the strikes
Russia called the strikes a “dramatic escalation.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin is being kept updated. The Russian Foreign Ministry said Israel had violated international law and the UN Charter by targeting a sovereign state during peacetime.
Russia also criticised the timing, noting that the strikes occurred during an IAEA meeting and just before planned nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S.
China expresses deep concern
China said it was deeply concerned about the Israeli strikes. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China opposes any violation of Iran’s sovereignty and called for immediate de-escalation to preserve peace and stability in the region.
Lin also said China was ready to play a constructive role in easing tensions. China has friendly ties with Iran, based in part on energy cooperation and its broader goal of expanding influence in the Middle East.
Earlier in the day, Chinese embassies in both Iran and Israel warned citizens of the “complex and severe” security situation. The embassy in Tel Aviv specifically advised people to prepare for possible missile, rocket, or drone attacks.
UN calls for restraint
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation and warned against further strikes on nuclear facilities. His spokesperson called on both Israel and Iran to avoid worsening the crisis while diplomatic talks continue.
UK urges de-escalation
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the developments deeply concerning. He urged all sides to step back, warning that escalation serves no one and diplomacy must resume urgently.
Saudi Arabia denounces the attack
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty. Riyadh urged the international community to take action to stop the aggression and avoid further destabilisation.
Japan warns against use of force
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said it was regrettable that military force was used during ongoing diplomatic efforts. Japan warned that the situation is becoming more dangerous and called for restraint.
Oman criticises the strikes
Oman, which has played a key role in mediating nuclear talks, said the Israeli strikes were a provocation meant to disrupt diplomacy. The government warned that the attacks could spark a wider conflict.
UAE urges restraint
The United Arab Emirates condemned the strikes and expressed concern about rising regional tensions. The UAE called on all parties to act with restraint and avoid further escalation.
European reactions
France supported Israel’s right to defend itself but called for peace and dialogue. Germany urged both countries to avoid any further military action. The Czech Republic defended Israel’s response, saying Iran posed a growing threat.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called for calm, and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi warned that any damage to nuclear facilities could be dangerous. He offered to visit Iran to inspect the sites.
Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, marking a major escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone calls on Saturday with his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Egypt to discuss Israel’s recent large-scale assault on Iran, according to diplomatic sources.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday threatened to "burn Tehran" if Iran continues to launch missile attacks against Israeli territory, escalating already heightened tensions between the two regional adversaries.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, marking a major escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for any US military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization, warning against being drawn into what he called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “illegal war.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. A second lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were wounded in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday said diplomacy alone will not stop Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging stronger financial pressure and suggesting former US President Donald Trump may be the only leader capable of halting Moscow’s aggression.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone calls on Saturday with his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Egypt to discuss Israel’s recent large-scale assault on Iran, according to diplomatic sources.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba strongly condemned Israel’s military attacks on Iran on Friday, calling the strikes “totally intolerable” and warning against further escalation in the region.
Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, marking a major escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for any US military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization, warning against being drawn into what he called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “illegal war.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. A second lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were wounded in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday said diplomacy alone will not stop Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging stronger financial pressure and suggesting former US President Donald Trump may be the only leader capable of halting Moscow’s aggression.
Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, marking a major escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for any US military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization, warning against being drawn into what he called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “illegal war.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. A second lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were wounded in the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday said diplomacy alone will not stop Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging stronger financial pressure and suggesting former US President Donald Trump may be the only leader capable of halting Moscow’s aggression.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held separate phone calls on Saturday with his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Egypt to discuss Israel’s recent large-scale assault on Iran, according to diplomatic sources.
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