As the US and Israel attack Iran, the world reacts: ‘Bad consequences’ – National
The reaction came from world leaders in the US and Israel who carried out major military strikes in Iran on Saturday, which US President Donald Trump said were aimed at overthrowing the Iranian regime.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “use of force,” adding that the action was inconsistent with the UN Charter.
“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and Iran’s subsequent retaliation across the region, undermines international peace and security,” he said in a statement.
Hours after the US and Israeli raids, Iran carried out retaliatory strikes in the region against US and Israeli bases in places like the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar.
How countries in the region are responding
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia said it “condemns and condemns in the strongest terms” Iran’s attacks on countries in the region but did not mention the US strikes in its statement.
Egyptian President Adel-Fattah el-Sissi said he spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
“Continuing military escalation will bring more suffering to the people of the region and destroy opportunities for development,” he said.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry said Doha had “full right to respond” to Iran’s attack, but said it had been urging all sides to engage in dialogue.
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“The State of Qatar has always sought to distance itself from regional conflicts and work for dialogue between the Iranian side and the international community,” the statement said.
Russia, which shares several key strategic interests with Iran, released a statement from its foreign ministry saying the US and Israel had “begun a dangerous course.”
“This is a deliberate, planned, and unintended act of aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state, in direct violation of the principles and principles of international law,” the statement said.
How other world powers are reacting
China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing was “deeply concerned” about the attack on Iran, adding that Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity must be respected.
“China demands an immediate cessation of military operations, no further escalation of tensions, resumption of talks and negotiations, and efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East,” the statement read.
The European Union expressed concern but did not clearly say whether the bloc supports or opposes the US action.
“Ensuring the safety of nuclear weapons and preventing any actions that could further tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of the utmost importance,” said a joint statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
In a separate statement, posted on social media, von der Leyen said she was convening the EU’s “special Security College” on Monday because of the ongoing situation in Iran.
The EU called on “all parties to exercise strict restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called the situation “dangerous.”
“The outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has serious consequences for international peace and security,” he said.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer said in a video statement that his country “did not play a role in these strikes.”
“But we’ve been clear for a long time – the Iranian regime is absolutely disgusting,” he said.
The UK is strengthening its defense capabilities in the region because of the current situation, he said.
“Our forces are active and British aircraft are in the skies today as part of joint regional defense operations to protect our people, our interests and our partners – as Britain has done before, in accordance with international law,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government supports US action “to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”
How Canada has done so far
Prime Minister Mark Carney said Saturday morning that Canada “supports the United States’ move to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and prevent its regime from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”
Carney also asked all concerned to “protect the lives of civilians in the best possible way in a very critical situation.”
Global Affairs Canada urges all Canadians in Iran to seek asylum immediately and register with their Canadians Abroad Registration service for the latest updates.
Travel advisories have been updated for Canadians in Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, warning of “ongoing military activity” in the region.
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