Global reactions revealed familiar diplomatic fault lines after Israel launched its largest-ever military operation against Iran, striking nuclear facilities and military targets across the country early Friday morning in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “decisive moment in Israel’s history.”
United States Distances Itself
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized American non-participation in the operation, stating “Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region.” He added a clear warning: “Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
President Trump, speaking to Fox News, confirmed he was aware Israel would conduct the strikes beforehand and stressed that Iran “cannot have a nuclear bomb.” However, his administration made clear it was not participating militarily in the operation, even as Trump had previously expressed hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran.
Britain Calls for De-escalation
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern about the developing crisis, saying “The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.”
Starmer emphasized that “stability in the Middle East must be the priority and we are engaging partners to de-escalate. Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”
UN Warns Against Regional War
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the military escalation through a spokesperson, who said “The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
The UN chief called on “both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford.”
Iran Vows Severe Retaliation
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning in response to the strikes, declaring “The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands. That regime should anticipate a severe punishment.
Khamenei added ominously: “With this crime, the Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see.”
Arab World Condemn Strikes
Saudi Arabia issued a strong condemnation, stating “Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.”
Oman, which has been mediating the US-Iran nuclear talks, called the strikes “a dangerous, reckless escalation, representing a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law.” The sultanate “holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its consequences, and calls upon the international community to adopt a firm and unequivocal stance to halt this dangerous course of action.”
Jordan found itself operationally involved as Iranian retaliation unfolded, with Jordanian state media reporting the country’s Air Force was intercepting missiles and drones in its airspace. Loud sirens sounded over Jordan’s capital Amman as Iranian drones flew toward Israel.
Iraqi security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, reported that more than 100 drones launched from Iran toward Israel were tracked crossing Iraqi airspace, effectively drawing Iraq into the crisis despite its non-involvement.
Israel’s pre-dawn assault involved more than 200 fighter jets and 100 drones targeting over 100 sites across Iran, including the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz and key military installations in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu anounced the operation would “continue as many days as it takes” to neutralize Tehran’s existential threat to Israel’s survival.
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