The international community on Saturday moved quickly to condemn the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran and to urge restraint after Tehran fired missiles at Israel and at U.S.-linked targets across multiple countries, raising fears of a broader regional war.
The conflict started when the United States and Israel, in a surprise attack, struck Iran on Saturday, followed by Iran’s retaliation with missiles at Israel and the United States in the region.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that any use of force by the United States and Israel on Iran, and the reaction by Iran in the region, undermines international peace and security. He called on all parties to get back to the negotiating table.
European leaders joined in calling on the parties to get back to the negotiating table. In a joint statement, European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the recent events were “deeply troubling” and called on all parties to show maximum restraint. They also said that the safety and security of nuclear materials should not be compromised.
The major world powers weighed in on the situation, and China’s Foreign Ministry said that China was “greatly concerned” by the situation and called on all parties to respect the sovereignty and territory of Iran, stop the conflict, and get back to negotiations.
The Gulf region countries focused on the sovereignty aspect after the missiles struck near and in their territories.
Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack in its territory and reserved the right to retaliate in accordance with international law.
Saudi Arabia condemned the attacks by Iran in several countries in the region and threatened severe consequences if its sovereignty is violated for the second time.
Foreign Ministry of Qatar condemned the strike in its territory, stating that it is a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.
Other countries have also called for an end to the escalation and resumption of negotiations.
In a statement, Foreign Ministry of Oman said “In confirmation of the statement issued today by the Foreign Ministry regarding the joint military operations carried out by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran and its warnings of the risk of an expansion of the conflict in the region, the Sultanate of Oman calls in the strongest terms for an immediate halt to attacks and missile strikes against sites in countries across the region, including the territories of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq and Jordan.”
Foreign minister of Oman also said he was “dismayed” that negotiations had been undermined, while Brazil called for maximum restraint to safeguard the lives of citizens. Norway questioned the legality of a preventive strike, while France, Pakistan, and Egypt called for a fresh round of negotiations, stating that there will be serious consequences if stability in the region is disrupted.
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