Israels attack on Iran: How the world reacted
Governments and leaders around the world have reacted after Israel launched a huge attack on Iran in the early hours of Friday, targeting nuclear facilities, military commanders and scientists.
Explosions were reported in Natanz, Iran’s heavily fortified main uranium enrichment facility, which is located in mountains about 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran.
Blasts were also reported in Tehran and elsewhere in the country.
The strikes reportedly killed Hossein Salami, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as well as Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of the country's armed forces, and Gholamali Rashid, the deputy commander of the Iranian armed forces.
Two leading scientists, Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were also reported killed.
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In response, Iran fired more than 100 drones towards Israel later on Friday.
Here is a round up of how international bodies as well countries around the world have responded to the latest developments.
African Union
The African Union expressed grave concern over the attacks and escalating hostilities.
AU chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf “expresses grave concern over reports of an Israeli airstrike on Iran and the ensuing escalation of hostilities in the Middle East”, it said in a statement.
“The chairperson calls for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint. He pointed out that the current developments pose a serious threat to international peace and security,” it added.
Australia
Australia said it was alarmed by the escalation. “This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile. We call on all parties to refrain from actions and rhetoric that will further exacerbate tensions,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“We all understand the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.”
China
China’s foreign ministry condemned the violation of Iran's sovereignty.
“China opposes the violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of contradictions, the expansion of conflicts, and the sudden rise in temperature of the regional situation,” spokesperson Lin Jian said.
“China calls on all parties concerned to do more things that promote regional peace and stability and avoid further escalation of the tense situation. China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation.”
France
Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s foreign affairs minister, urged all sides to avoid escalation, but affirmed what he said was “Israel’s right to defend itself”.
“We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability,” Barrot said on X.
“We have repeatedly expressed our serious concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme, notably in the resolution recently adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he added. “We reaffirm Israel's right to defend itself against any attack.”
Germany
Friedrich Merz, Germany's chancellor, said Netanyahu had informed him by phone on Friday morning of Israel's actions and objectives in Iran.
"The German government has repeatedly expressed its concern about Iran's advanced nuclear weapons program for many years," said Merz.
"Just yesterday, in a resolution introduced by Germany, France, and Great Britain, the IAEA again determined that Iran continues to fail to comply with its obligations to disclose its work on enriching nuclear-grade material."
He said that Iran had subsequently threatened to accelarate uranium enrichment again, in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Merz said that such actions threatened the region, "especially the state of Israel".
"We reaffirm that Israel has the right to defend its existence and the security of its citizens. We call on both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation and destabilize the entire region".
He said that Germany was coordinating closely with its partners, including the UK, France and the US. "The goal must remain that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons."
Indonesia
“Indonesia strongly condemns Israel’s attack on Iran,” said Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on social media.
“The attack risks exacerbating existing regional tensions and could potentially trigger a broader conflict. All parties must exercise the utmost restraint and avoid any actions that might escalate tensions or cause further instability.”
Ireland
Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was “deeply concerned by the airstrikes on Iran”.
“I call on all in the Middle East to exercise the utmost restraint and to avoid further escalation,” said Martin, adding that “the region and the world needs stability. Diplomacy must be the only way forward.”
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar described the attacks as “unjustified”.
“Strongly condemn unjustified Israeli attacks on Islamic republic of Iran,” wrote on X.
Dar said Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel, “stands in solidarity with the Government & the people of Iran”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said that Israeli strikes were “a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond”.
Oman
Oman, which has played a key role as a mediator in recent nuclear talks between the US and Iran, called Israel’s attack a “dangerous and reckless escalation” that violated international law.
“[It] represents unacceptable and ongoing aggressive behaviour that undermines the foundations of stability in the region,” the foreign ministry said.
"Israel is responsible for this escalation and its consequences.”
Qatar
Doha strongly denounced the Israeli attack on Iranian territory, too.
“Qatar considers the assault a blatant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law and its established principles,” the foreign ministry said.
It added that the escalation formed part of a “recurring pattern of aggressive policies that threaten regional peace and stability and hinder efforts aimed at de-escalation and diplomatic resolution”.
It called on the international community to “assume its legal and moral responsibilities and to act swiftly to halt these Israeli violations”.
Hours later, Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs met the Iranian ambassador to discuss developments and affirm Doha’s condemnation of Israel’s attack.
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh strongly condemned Israel’s attack on Iran.
“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 law and norms,” the foreign ministry said.
It went on to describe the attacks on Iran - a longtime regional rival of Saudi Arabia - as “heinous”, adding that the international community and UN security council bore a responsibility to “immediately halt this aggression”.
Turkey
Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s strikes on Iran.
“This attack, which is a clear violation of international law, is a provocation serving Israel’s strategic destabilisation policy in the region,” Ankara’s foreign ministry said.
“The fact that these attacks took place during an intensified period of negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program shows that the Netanyahu government does not wish to resolve any issue through diplomatic means and does not refrain from risking regional stability and global peace for its own interests.”
It called on Israel to immediately put an end to its aggressive actions, which could lead to wider conflicts. “We reiterate that we do not wish to see more bloodshed and destruction in the Middle East,” the foreign ministry said.
“We urgently call on the international community to take action to prevent the spread of war.”
UAE
The UAE said it “condemned in the strongest terms” Israel’s targeting of Iran.
The foreign affairs ministry called for “the utmost self-restraint and judgment to mitigate risks and prevent the expansion of the conflict.”
“The Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s position that enhancing dialogue, adhering to international law, and respecting the sovereignty of states constitute essential principles for resolving the current crises,” it said.
It called for diplomacy “rather than confrontation and escalation”, and urged the UN security council to urgently bring about a ceasefire.
Russia
Russia said on Friday Israeli strikes on Iran were unprovoked and in breach of the United Nations charter, and accused Israel of wrecking diplomatic efforts to reach a deal to allay Western concerns about Tehran's nuclear programme, Reuters reported.
UK
Keir Starmer, the UK’s prime minister, called on all parties to step back and reduce tensions. “Stability in the Middle East must be the priority, and we are engaging partners to de-escalate,” Starmer said. “Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy.”
UN
Antonio Guterres, the UN secretary general, condemned military escalation in the region, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said.
“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,” Haq said.
Guterres asked both sides to show maximum restraint and avoid descent into deeper conflict.
US
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said that 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. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Rubio said.
He added that the US administration had taken steps to protect its forces and were in contact with its regional partners.
“Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel.”
President Donald Trump also released a statement on social media.
"I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal. I told them, in the strongest of words, to 'just do it,' but no matter how hard they tried, no matter how close they got, they just couldn’t get it done," Trump said.
The US president issued a warning that there would be more destruction to come if an agreement wasn't signed soon.
"There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire," he added.
Brazil
Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's attacks on Iran in a statement on Friday.
“The Brazilian government expresses firm condemnation and follows with great concern the Israeli air offensive launched early this morning against Iran, in clear violation of that country’s sovereignty and international law,” the statement said.
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