Key points
- The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter: Cuba
- The only path forward is diplomacy: Antonio Guterres
- New Zealand says it strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy
- Venezuela condemns US “military aggression” against Iran
ISLAMABAD: The response from world leaders following US forces striking three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday (Iran time) varied widely, with Israel praising President Donald Trump’s decision, the United Nations urging de-escalation, and several countries condemning the attacks.
Benjamin Netanyahu
“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”, according to Reuters.
אזרחי ישראל היקרים, אחיי ואחיותיי.
במבצע ׳עם כלביא׳ אנחנו השגנו יחד הישגים חסרי תקדים בתולדות ישראל.
אתם זוכרים שמתחילת המבצע, אני הבטחתי לכם שמתקני הגרעין של איראן יושמדו, בדרך זו או אחרת.
ההבטחה הזו קוימה.לפני זמן קצר, בתיאום מלא ביני לבין הנשיא טראמפ, ובתיאום מבצעי מלא בין… pic.twitter.com/oynRLGJga7
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 22, 2025
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
“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. 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.”
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…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 22, 2025
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.”
Australia
“We have been clear that Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security. 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.”
Mexico
“The ministry urgently calls for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved in the Middle East conflict. In keeping with our constitutional principles of foreign policy and our country’s pacifist convictions, we reiterate our call to de-escalate tensions in the region. The restoration of peaceful coexistence among the states of the region is the highest priority.”
Venezuela
“Venezuela Condemns US Military Aggression Against Iran and Demands an Immediate Cessation of Hostilities. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela firmly and categorically condemns the bombing carried out by the United States military, at the request of the State of Israel, against nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan complexes.”
Cuba
“We strongly condemn the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which constitutes a dangerous escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. The aggression seriously violates the UN Charter and international law and plunges humanity into a crisis with irreversible consequences.”
