The world is grappling with the profound implications of the United States’ direct military action against Iran, as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed early Sunday that American forces had bombed three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. The strikes, which Trump declared “totally obliterated” the facilities, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, drawing widespread international reaction.

The U.S. intervention follows over a week of intensified hostilities between Israel and Iran, which began with Israeli strikes against Iranian targets and subsequent Iranian retaliatory missile attacks, resulting in hundreds of casualties on both sides. President Trump, in a White House address, warned of further strikes if Tehran fails to “make peace,” stating his aim was to eliminate Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity. Iran acknowledged the attacks, asserting that personnel had been evacuated from the nuclear sites prior to the bombings.

Here’s a roundup of key global reactions:

Iran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was among the first Iranian officials to publicly respond, accusing the U.S. of a “grave violation” of the UN Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) by attacking “peaceful nuclear installations.” He called the events “outrageous” with “everlasting consequences,” urging UN members to be alarmed by this “dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior.” Araghchi affirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty and people. Separately, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed “regrettable responses” and stated its attacks on Israel would continue “precisely, purposefully and fiercely.”

Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly congratulated President Trump, calling the “bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities… a history-changing act” that demonstrates “America has been truly unsurpassed.” He stated that history would record Trump’s actions as denying the “world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons.”

United Nations: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave alarm at the U.S. use of force, calling it a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.” He warned of a “growing risk” of the conflict rapidly spiraling “out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” and urged member states to “de-escalate,” emphasizing that “there is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.” The UN Security Council is expected to meet on Sunday at Tehran’s request.

Middle East & Allies:

• Hamas: The Palestinian armed group “condemned in the strongest terms the brazen aggression of the United States against the territory and sovereignty of Iran,” calling it a “dangerous escalation” and a “clear violation of international law.” They expressed solidarity with Iran.
• Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom expressed “great concern” over the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities, urging “all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation,” and calling for a political solution.
• Qatar: Warned of “catastrophic consequences” from the “dangerous escalation,” urging all parties to “exercise wisdom, restraint, and to avoid further escalation.”
• Oman: The Gulf state, a mediator in past nuclear talks, “strongly condemned” the U.S. strikes, expressing “deep concern, denunciation and condemnation.”
• Iraq: Government spokesperson Basim Alawadi stated that the “military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and and poses serious risks to regional stability,” calling for an end to attacks and a return to diplomacy.
• Venezuela: Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the “military aggression against Iran” and demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Cuba: President Miguel Diaz-Canel strongly condemned the U.S. bombing as a “dangerous escalation” and a serious violation of the UN Charter.

Global Powers & European Union:

• Russia: Russia’s foreign ministry “strongly condemns” the U.S. attacks, labeling them an “irresponsible decision” that “flagrantly violates international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.” They called for an end to aggression and a return to diplomacy.
• China: The foreign ministry “strongly condemns” the strikes, stating they “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions.” China urged a ceasefire and dialogue, offering to work with the international community for peace.
• United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security” and that “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” while also calling for Iran to return to the negotiating table for regional stability.
• European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged de-escalation and a return to negotiations, stressing Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. EU foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the situation.
• France: Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot expressed concern and urged “restraint to avoid any escalation,” emphasizing that a lasting solution requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• Germany: Chancellor Frederick Merz’s spokesperson called on Iran to immediately re-enter nuclear talks for a diplomatic solution, with close coordination planned with EU and U.S. partners.
• Italy: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed hope that the attack, which caused “massive damage” and posed a regional threat, could lead to de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table for Iran.
• Switzerland: Urged maximum restraint and an immediate return to diplomacy, emphasizing full respect for international law and the UN Charter.

Other International Voices:

Chile: President Gabriel Boric condemned the U.S. action as illegal, stating that “having power does not authorize you to use it in violation of the rules that we as humanity have given ourselves. Even if you are the United States.”

US Democrats: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of misleading the country, failing to seek congressional authorization, and risking American entanglement in a “potentially disastrous war,” holding him responsible for any adverse consequences.

Japan: Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the importance of quick de-escalation, noting grave concern and the need to prevent Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons): The Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization called the U.S. strikes “senseless and reckless,” arguing they violate international law and undermine non-proliferation efforts, especially as U.S. intelligence assesses Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

Australia: A government spokesperson noted Iran’s nuclear program as a threat, acknowledging Trump’s call for peace, but reiterated calls for “de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy” in a “highly volatile” region.

New Zealand: Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed concern over “ongoing military action” and stressed the criticality of avoiding further escalation, strongly supporting diplomatic efforts.

Mexico: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for diplomatic dialogue for peace, reiterating its constitutional principles of foreign policy and pacifist conviction.