Global leaders delivered sharply contrasting responses following the United States’ precision airstrikes on three of Iran’s key nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—carried out on Sunday by the U.S. Air Force under the direct orders of President Donald Trump. The strikes have heightened tensions across the Middle East, intensifying international debate and revealing deep geopolitical divisions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the strikes as a pivotal moment in history. In a recorded statement, he praised Trump’s decision:
“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, warning that it marked a grave escalation in an already volatile region:
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
China’s state-run CGTN criticized the U.S., warning it was “repeating its Iraq mistake” by initiating military intervention that could trigger long-term instability. Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council, directly accused Trump of igniting a new conflict:
“Trump, who came in as a peacemaker president, has started a new war for the US.”
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry labeled the strikes a violation of international law, reiterating Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia voiced “great concern” over the developments in what it referred to as the “sisterly Islamic Republic of Iran.” Meanwhile, Iraq urged immediate de-escalation and the urgent opening of diplomatic channels to prevent further crisis.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the U.S. decision, calling Iran’s nuclear ambitions a serious global threat:
“Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat.”
However, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Italy took more cautious stances. While acknowledging security concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs, they stressed the importance of dialogue over escalation.
“We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy,” said an Australian government spokesperson.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that Iran would return to negotiations in the aftermath of the attack.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the U.S. airstrikes as a dangerous breach of international law:
“This constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil claimed the operation was carried out under Israeli influence, while Mexico issued a call for urgent diplomatic engagement, urging all parties to restore peace in the region.
In a statement, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization vowed to continue the country's nuclear program, which it called a “national industry,” and condemned the U.S. attacks as unlawful. The agency did not detail the extent of the damage inflicted during the strikes.
Addressing the nation from the White House, President Trump described the strikes as a major success:
“The strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill.”