Reactions from around the world to Israel's strikes on Iran are coming in. Some expressed concern, others criticized the action.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "condemned any military escalation in the Middle East." He called on both sides to show restraint.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Iran and Israel to "step back and immediately reduce tensions," calling the Israeli strikes "worrying." According to Starmer, "escalation will not be good for anyone in the region," and "stability in the Middle East must be the priority."
"Now is the time for restraint, calm and a return to diplomacy," the British Prime Minister added.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that Canberra is "concerned about the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran." He called on the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, saying: “This creates a risk of further destabilization in an already unstable region.”
The Israeli airstrikes on Iran have also been condemned by Arab states. The UAE also called on the parties to the conflict to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses the importance of exercising maximum restraint to prevent the risk of escalation,” the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Oman also expressed concern that an Israeli attack on Iran could lead to a major conflict and hinder nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.
