Tehran (TDI): Tensions in the Middle East have sharply escalated following the US military strikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear sites — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — early Sunday.
The targeted attacks, ordered by US President Donald Trump, have triggered a wave of international reactions, ranging from strong condemnation to praise.
The White House confirmed the operation, describing it as a “measured and necessary” response to Iran’s alleged advancement of its nuclear enrichment activities. The administration defended the strikes as a preemptive effort to contain further escalation between Iran and Israel, who have been engaged in tit-for-tat military exchanges in recent weeks.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025
President Trump justified the action, stating, “This was a proportionate measure aimed at preventing a larger regional war. The United States cannot allow Iran’s nuclear ambitions to destabilize global peace.”
In stark contrast, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denounced the airstrikes as a blatant violation of international law. In a post on X, he wrote, “The United States has crossed a red line. This aggression not only breaches the UN Charter but also undermines the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran retains every right to defend its sovereignty.”
The United States, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter, international law and the NPT by attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear installations.
The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting…
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2025
Araghchi warned of lasting consequences and emphasized Iran’s commitment to respond proportionately under international law.
Global leaders and institutions have called for restraint. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern, stating: “This attack represents a serious threat to international peace and security. There is no military solution to this crisis — only diplomacy can pave the way forward.”
I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 22, 2025
Other countries echoed the call for de-escalation. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged dialogue, while Australia reaffirmed its stance against Iran’s nuclear program but emphasized diplomacy over conflict.
Oman deplores this illegal aggression and calls for immediate and comprehensive de-escalation, adding that the actions taken by the United States threaten to expand the scope of the conflict and constitute a serious violation of international law.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding the escalation resulting from the direct airstrikes conducted by the United States on sites in the Islamic Republic of Iran. pic.twitter.com/vXBy9nMpqV
— وزارة الخارجية (@FMofOman) June 22, 2025
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, “Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments in Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America.”
#Statement | The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with deep concern the developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly the targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/UETTccSNgc
— Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) June 22, 2025
Mexico, Venezuela, and Cuba issued sharp rebukes of the US action, labeling it military aggression and urging immediate cessation of hostilities. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister called it “imperialist violence that endangers global peace.”
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, hoping that reason and diplomacy will prevail over military escalation.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
