Saudi Arabia & Global Powers Urge Calm After US Strikes Iran
World leaders are urging calm after the United States launched air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran over the weekend. The escalation triggered a wave of concern across the Middle East and beyond, with countries calling for restraint and warning of potentially catastrophic consequences.
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Restraint
Saudi Arabia voiced its 'great concern' over the US attacks, condemning the violation of Iranian sovereignty. In a statement shared by the foreign ministry on X (formerly Twitter), Riyadh urged all parties to 'exert all efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate, and avoid escalation.' The Kingdom also called on the international community to help push for a political resolution to the crisis.
#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
UAE Warns of 'Serious Repercussions'
The UAE echoed similar concerns, warning that the strikes could push the region toward 'new levels of instability.' President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held emergency phone calls with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the leaders of Kuwait and Qatar to coordinate a response and call for de-escalation and dialogue.
Egypt Emphasizes Sovereignty and Dialogue
Egypt's foreign ministry stressed the importance of respecting state sovereignty and international law. Cairo warned of serious risks to peace and security in the region and called on all parties to pursue peaceful, diplomatic solutions.
Qatar and Oman Join in Urging Caution
Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the region, warned of 'catastrophic consequences' and called for wisdom and restraint.
Statement | Qatar Regrets the Deterioration of the Situation with the Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities #MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/U0oXEIKjP3
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 22, 2025
Oman, which has served as a mediator in past nuclear talks between Iran and the US, strongly condemned the strikes and expressed deep concern about the dangerous escalation.
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
Lebanon: 'We've Paid Enough'
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said the nation has already suffered greatly from regional wars and refuses to pay the price of further conflict. He called for urgent restraint and serious negotiations to restore peace.
Iraq Condemns Escalation
Iraq, which shares a border with Iran, called the US strikes a 'grave threat' to regional peace. Government spokesperson Basim Alawadi emphasized that targeting nuclear facilities risks igniting broader instability.
UN: 'A Dangerous Escalation'
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the US action as a 'dangerous escalation,' warning that the situation could spiral out of control. 'There is no military solution,' he stressed. 'The only path forward is diplomacy.'
Turkiye, India, and Pakistan Weigh In
Turkiye warned the strikes could globalize the Iran-Israel conflict. India's PM Narendra Modi expressed concern and urged dialogue during a call with Iran's new president. Pakistan condemned the US action, calling it a violation of international law.
Russia: Trump Starts a New War
Russia's Dmitry Medvedev accused President Trump of launching another war for the US, comparing the situation to past military misadventures in the Middle East.
Mixed Responses from the West
The UK supported the US goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but called for a return to diplomacy. France expressed concern but distanced itself from the strikes, emphasizing the need for restraint and nuclear non-proliferation. The EU also urged all sides to 'step back' and resume negotiations.
Asia-Pacific Reactions
Japan and South Korea held emergency meetings, focusing on protecting citizens and ensuring energy security. Australia backed the US strike but also stressed the need for diplomacy, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirming contingency plans for evacuations.
High Praise from Israel, US Republicans
Israeli leaders were quick to praise Trump's decision. PM Netanyahu said the strikes would 'change history,' while US Republicans hailed the move as bold and necessary. Some Democrats supported the strikes, but others raised constitutional concerns about bypassing congressional approval.
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