Global Leaders Respond to U.S. Military Action in Iran

Following the U.S. military strikes on Iran, global leaders reacted with a mix of condemnation and calls for de-escalation, highlighting the heightened risks of conflict in the Middle East.

American allies and adversaries are grappling with the implications of U.S. military strikes targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran, marking a significant escalation amid Israel's ongoing conflict. As tensions rise, reactions from world leaders range from condemnation to urgent calls for peace.

The U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the actions, labeling them a “dangerous escalation” in an already volatile region. He warned that the strikes pose a direct threat to global peace and could spiral out of control, with devastating consequences for civilians worldwide.

In the U.K., Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized Iran's nuclear ambitions as unacceptable and supported the U.S. response, advocating for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, Australia echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for de-escalation while condemning Iran’s military advancements.

New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters voiced anxiety over ongoing military operations and the urgent need for diplomacy. South Korea's government gathered to assess the potential repercussions on its national security, while Mexico reiterated calls for peaceful dialogue among involved parties.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel described the strikes as a dangerous escalation threatening to instigate a broader crisis. Chile's President Gabriel Boric labeled the military action illegal under international law, calling for peace, and Venezuela referred to the actions as “illegal and unjustifiable,” underscoring the widespread condemnation.

Yan Zhuang is a reporter for the Times based in Seoul, focusing on breaking news developments.