US-Israel strikes on Iran spark global reactions: world leaders voice concern, urge restraint and prioritize citizen safety amid rising Middle East tensions
World leaders had a variety of reactions for the US-Israel strikes on Iran (Photo: Social Media)
Following joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran, world leaders expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the region. The strikes triggered counterattacks, missile interceptions and regional instability, prompting calls from around the globe for restraint.
The European Union expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, describing the situation as “perilous.” European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen called on all parties to exercise restraint, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring nuclear safety, particularly at Iran’s reportedly targeted nuclear sites. EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas echoed these concerns and announced the withdrawal of its non-essential personnel from the region to safeguard its citizens.
The African Union head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf also urged “restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue” after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He warned that further escalation could harm people across Africa and trigger global instability, including economic risks.
Both the UK and France stressed that their primary concern amid the escalating conflict was the safety of their own citizens in the region.
France, which houses several military bases in the Middle East, said that their priority was the safety of its citizens. Stating that France was monitoring the situation, French Deputy Defence Minister Alice Rufo said, “Obviously our priority in these sorts of cases is the protection of our nationals and the protection of our forces in the region.”
Similarly, a spokesperson from the UK government reportedly said, "We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict," adding that the UK's "immediate priority" was the safety of its citizens in the region.
Russia and Ukraine reacted very differently to the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Ukraine blamed Iran for provoking the military action. In an official statement, the country said that the Iranian government’s violence against its own citizens, particularly the crackdown on protestors that killed thousands, was the main cause for the US and Israeli attacks.
On the other hand, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as reckless and dangerous, warning that they could push the Middle East toward a humanitarian, economic, and radiological catastrophe. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now chair of Russia’s Security Council, said in an X post that talks between Washington and Tehran had been “just a cover” and sarcastically called US President Donald Trump “the peacekeeper.”
World leaders had a variety of reactions for the US-Israel strikes on Iran. The EU and African Union urged restraint, while the UK and France focused on protecting their citizens. Russia condemned the attacks and Ukraine blamed Iran’s actions. These contrasting priorities and perspectives on the conflict reveal the way the war is being perceived worldwide.
