Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 22: The United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities have set off a wave of international concern, with world leaders urging restraint and a renewed focus on diplomacy to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the US action, calling Iran’s nuclear ambitions a "grave threat to international security." While affirming support, he also emphasized the need for stability. “Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon,” he posted on X. “We urge Iran to return to dialogue and pursue a diplomatic path.”
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed the sentiment, supporting the strikes as a necessary measure. “The Iranian regime’s destabilising actions have long endangered global security,” he said. “The firm response from the US and Israel was justified.”
UK Defence Secretary John Healey clarified that Britain was not involved in the operation but confirmed heightened security measures. “Our priority remains the safety of UK personnel and bases. Additional jets were deployed this week to bolster defences,” he noted.
Saudi Arabia expressed alarm over the potential fallout. A statement from Riyadh stressed that the Kingdom is “following the developments with deep concern” and called for restraint, urging the international community to work toward de-escalation and a political solution.
Australia, having recently shut its Tehran embassy and evacuated diplomatic staff, reiterated its call for diplomatic engagement. “Iran’s nuclear and missile programs are a global concern,” the Australian government said. “We support de-escalation, not confrontation.”
Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that the situation could spiral out of control. “This dangerous escalation may result in catastrophic consequences,” it said, calling on all sides to act with restraint.
Oman strongly condemned the US strikes, labelling them a violation of international law and the UN Charter. “This aggression must end,” the Omani Foreign Ministry stated, reaffirming the right of states to pursue peaceful nuclear energy under global oversight.
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, described the current path as an “extremely dangerous spiral” and reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation through diplomacy. “There is no alternative to a negotiated solution,” he said.
From Latvia, President Edgars Rinkevics echoed concerns. “Iran’s nuclear program threatens regional stability,” he posted on X. “All sides must return to talks to prevent further escalation.”
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot called Iran's regime “a threat” and said preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons was essential. “The EU must help drive a diplomatic resolution. I will raise the issue with EU colleagues tomorrow,” he said.
As tensions escalate following the strikes, the chorus from global capitals remains unified: a clear call to pull back from the brink and return to the negotiating table before the crisis deepens further.