Global leaders call for diplomacy and de-escalation amid U.S. strikes on Iran

U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have drawn calls for restraint and diplomacy from global leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation following the U.S. strikes, which targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites. “We’ve long had concerns about the Iranian nuclear program and have been clear that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Starmer said. While confirming that the UK was not involved in the attack, he noted, “We were given due notice as close allies to the U.S.” The UK has since deployed additional military assets to the region to protect its interests and personnel.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the call for de-escalation, warning of the grave impact on Middle Eastern stability and global security. “No strictly military response will produce the effect we seek,” Macron stated, advocating for a return to diplomatic and technical talks. He also highlighted the safety of French nationals in the region as a priority.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council convened on Sunday to discuss the crisis, with Russia, China, and Pakistan proposing a resolution for an immediate ceasefire. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged decisive action, saying, “We must act – immediately and decisively – to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iran nuclear program.”

The U.S. strikes represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, occurring ten days after initial Israeli strikes. Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, asserting its program is peaceful.

Amid the turmoil, global leaders are unified in their calls for restraint and diplomacy to avoid further destabilization in an already volatile region.

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