World reacts to U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear facilities

Open this photo in gallery:

U.S. allies around the world have largely shied away from endorsing the American bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities and some have warned that it could lead to a dangerous escalation of the war.

While acknowledging Saturday’s strikes by U.S. bombers on three key Iranian nuclear sites, European leaders focused their response on a call for diplomacy.

Explainer: What to know about Iran’s key nuclear facilities

“Iran’s nuclear program is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement Sunday. He added that “the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News that British forces were not involved in the attack and that the U.K. government had been making “extensive preparations for all eventualities, including how we look after British nationals in the region and how we get them out”.

French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on X that “France has taken note with concern of the strikes carried out last night by the United States.”

He urged the parties to exercise restraint to avoid any escalation likely to lead to an extension of the conflict.

“France has repeatedly expressed its very firm opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons” and the government “is convinced that a lasting solution to this issue requires a negotiated solution within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.”

Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, expressed similar sentiments on Sunday. “Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security. I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation,” said wrote on X.

António Costa, the head of the European Council representing EU leaders, said on X that he was “deeply alarmed by the news arriving from the Middle East.”

“Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region. Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” he added.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said Saturday night’s bombings of the Isfahan research unit and the Natanz and Fordow nuclear enrichment facilities, which are buried underground, had been “very successful” and that all the sites had been “completely and fully obliterated”. He warned of further strikes if Iran retaliated against American forces, and said Iran “must now make peace.”

“There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran,” he said in a national television address.

Investors brace for oil price spike after U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Mr. Trump and congratulated him on a bold decision. “History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world’s most dangerous regime the world’s most dangerous weapons,” he said.

Europe has been wary of U.S. involvement in the war and foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany held talks on Friday in Geneva with their Iranian counterpart to press Iran to limit its nuclear program and re-join talks with Washington. While no formal agreement was reached, officials planned to reconvene within two weeks.

The foreign ministers had intervened after Mr. Trump said on Thursday that he would wait two weeks before deciding whether to launch U.S. military action. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” he said at the time.

That commitment lasted just two days, and European leaders have been largely caught off guard along with other U.S. allies.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry expressed “great concern” at the U.S. bombings. “The Kingdom underscores the need to exert all possible efforts to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and avoid further escalation,” the ministry said on X.

Qatar’s foreign office said the U.S. attack was dangerous and “can lead to catastrophic consequences both regionally and internationally.”

The Australian government also did not endorse the U.S. action. “We note the US president’s statement that now is the time for peace. The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy,” said a statement issued by the government.