Israel-Iran conflict: world reacts to US strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities
The reaction of world leaders after US forces struck
three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday (Iran time) ranged from Israel lauding President Donald Trump's decision to the UN calling for de-escalation and some countries condemning the attacks.
Israel
'Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons,' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded statement.
United Nations
'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 control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,' United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. 'I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law. At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.'
New Zealand
'We acknowledge developments in the last 24 hours, including President Trump's announcement of US strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran. Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying, and it is critical further escalation is avoided. New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy. We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,' New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement.
Australia
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