The world is grappling with the aftermath of U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan, a move that has triggered a cascade of international reactions — ranging from strong condemnation to firm support and urgent calls for diplomacy.
The targeted assault, ordered by President Donald Trump, has sparked a wave of diplomatic responses, ranging from staunch support by Israel to fierce denunciations from Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela, while others, including the U.N., have called for immediate de-escalation.
In a national address delivered late Saturday night from the White House, President Trump hailed the operation as a “spectacular military success.” He asserted that the mission significantly degraded Iran’s nuclear capabilities and was executed with “surgical precision” by American forces. According to him, the strikes were designed to “eliminate the threat of nuclear proliferation by one of the most dangerous regimes in the world.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, took to X (formerly Twitter) to strongly denounce the attacks, accusing the U.S. of violating international law and the U.N. Charter.
“The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation… These events are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he wrote.
He warned that Iran reserves all options under the UN Charter’s self-defense provisions to protect its sovereignty, interests, and citizens.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recorded statement, lauded President Trump’s action as a historic and bold move.
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the righteous might of the United States will change history,” he stated. “History will record that you acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave alarm over the situation, labeling the U.S. use of force as a dangerous escalation.
“This is a direct threat to international peace and security. The risk of rapid, uncontrollable conflict is real—and catastrophic for civilians, the region, and the world,” Guterres warned. He emphasized that “there is no military solution” and urged all parties to “return to diplomacy.”
New Zealand: Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern, emphasizing the importance of avoiding further conflict.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying… Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
Australia: A government spokesperson noted the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs but also echoed calls for calm.
“The region remains highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”
Mexico: The Mexican Foreign Ministry urged all sides to engage in peaceful dialogue, in line with its constitutional pacifist stance.
“The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority.”
Cuba: President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned the strikes as a “dangerous escalation,” asserting that the U.S. actions “plunge humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”
Venezuela: Foreign Minister Yván Gil denounced the attack as an act of aggression orchestrated by the U.S. in collaboration with Israel.
“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing… and demands an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
As tensions continue to rise, world leaders remain divided. While some back the U.S. operation as a strategic countermeasure, others fear that the path ahead may spiral into a broader conflict unless urgent diplomatic efforts are resumed.