Key points
- Tonight, Israel acted unilaterally against Iran: Marco Rubio
- António Guterres urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint
- Oman regards this act as a dangerous and reckless escalation
- Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes, cites violation of Iran’s sovereignty
ISLAMABAD:
ISLAMABAD: Israel announced early on Friday that it had carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to prevent Tehran from developing atomic weapons. Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported explosions, including at the country’s primary uranium enrichment facility.
Describing the event as a “decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country was also targeting Iranian nuclear scientists and missile production sites, adding that the operation would continue over the coming days, according to Reuters.
Iran has consistently claimed that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes. In anticipation of potential retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Tehran, Israel declared a state of emergency.
Reactions from key officials and governments worldwide
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
The US Secretary of State, in his response to the situation said, “Tonight, Israel acted unilaterally against Iran. The United States is not involved in the strikes, and our top priority remains the protection of American personnel in the region. Let me be clear: Iran must not target US interests or individuals.”
Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its… pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025
Saudi Arabia strongly condemns the blatant Israeli aggressions against Iran
The state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran, which undermine its sovereignty and security and constitute a clear violation of international laws and norms.
While the Kingdom condemns these heinous attacks, it affirms that the international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression.
🇸🇦 Statement from Saudi Arabia
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strongly condemns and denounces the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran. These actions undermine Iran’s sovereignty and security and represent a clear violation of international… pic.twitter.com/OxaIoS3cNW
— Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) June 13, 2025
Pakistan condemns aggression by Israel against Iran
A statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry stated: Pakistan strongly condemns unjustified and illegitimate aggression by Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Israeli military strikes violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and clearly contravene the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. Iran has the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
🔊PR No:1️⃣7️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
Pakistan Strongly Condemns Unjustified and Illegitimate Aggression by Israel Against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
🔗⬇️https://t.co/faWxOskKlu pic.twitter.com/NTExr6M6GZ
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 13, 2025
Pakistan stands in resolute solidarity with the people of Iran and unequivocally denounces these blatant provocations, which constitute a grave danger and a serious threat to the peace, security, and stability of the entire region and beyond, with serious implications, it added.
The international community and the United Nations bear responsibility to uphold international law, stop this aggression immediately and hold the aggressor accountable for its actions, the statement said.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong
“Australia is deeply concerned by the escalation between Israel and Iran. This risks further destabilising an already volatile region. We urge all sides to refrain from actions and rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes to international peace and security is well understood, and we call on all parties to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue”, said the Australian Foreign Minister.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon
“This is a deeply concerning development in the Middle East. The likelihood of miscalculation is high, and the region does not need further military escalation or added risk,” said the New Zealand Prime Minister.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi
“Japan continues to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation and is taking all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals,” stated Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary.
Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres
“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is especially concerned about Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States regarding Iran’s nuclear programme are ongoing.
He urges both parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid a slide into a deeper conflict—a situation the region can ill afford.”
Oman, mediator in Iran-US Nuclear talks
“Oman regards this act as a dangerous and reckless escalation, representing a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. Such persistent aggression is unacceptable and further undermines regional peace and security.
The Sultanate of Oman holds Israel responsible for this escalation and its repercussions, and urges the international community to adopt a firm and clear position to bring this dangerous path to an end,” according to a statement from the Omani government.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
“The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our beloved country this morning with its satanic, bloodstained hands.
That regime should expect a harsh response. By God’s grace, the powerful arm of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces will not leave this act unpunished,” reported IRNA.
