The outbreak of conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran has triggered urgent diplomatic reactions worldwide, with governments and institutions calling for restraint as tensions spiral across West Asia.
Joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities were followed by retaliatory missile launches from Iran targeting Israel and US-linked military assets in Gulf states.
United States and Israel defend action
US President Donald Trump described the operation as a “major combat mission” aimed at neutralising threats from Iran. He urged Tehran to abandon its missile and nuclear ambitions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were designed to remove what he termed an “existential threat”.
Iran vows response
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as violations of the United Nations Charter and warned that American and Israeli interests in the region would be considered legitimate targets.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed retaliatory missile and drone strikes.
United Nations calls emergency meeting
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning that escalation could have grave consequences for civilians. The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency session.
Europe, Gulf and Asia urge restraint
The European Union expressed deep concern, urging all sides to protect civilians and respect international law. Germany, France and the UK reiterated support for renewed negotiations.
Gulf nations including Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait condemned missile strikes on their territory, while Saudi Arabia warned of “dire consequences”.
China and Russia called for immediate de-escalation. India’s Ministry of External Affairs urged dialogue and respect for sovereignty, echoing calls for diplomatic engagement.
As airspace closures disrupt aviation and missile interceptions intensify across the region, fears are mounting that the conflict could widen beyond Iran and Israel.
Global leaders continue to stress that renewed diplomacy remains the only viable path to preventing further destabilisation.