World Hurries to Respond to Rapidly Changing War Around Iran
The coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran over the weekend have ignited a sprawling regional conflict, sparking global anger and urgent diplomatic efforts as the situation rapidly escalates. A shaken world reacted with a mix of fury, confusion, and unexpected involvement on Monday, with countries from the Gulf to Cyprus finding themselves in the line of fire as missiles and drones continued to fly.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Scramble
Fast-paced diplomacy became essential as borders closed, embassies emptied, and allies dispatched military reinforcements. Many nations refrained from directly commenting on the initial US-Israeli joint strikes but condemned Tehran's retaliation, possibly mindful of US President Donald Trump's influence. Other governments criticized Iran's attacks on Arab neighbors while staying silent on the American and Israeli military actions.
Canada and Australia expressed open support for the US strikes, despite Canada's known frustrations with the Trump administration. In contrast, Russia, China, and Spain issued sharp criticisms. Russia's foreign ministry accused the US and Israel of using concerns about Iran's nuclear program as a cover for pursuing regime change. India called for dialogue, echoing UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi's statement that talks will be necessary at some point.
European and Gulf State Responses
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz jointly called on the United States and Iran to resume negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, favoring a diplomatic settlement. These three countries have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution. They also expressed readiness to help prevent further missile and drone launches from Iran.
However, Germany clarified it would not actively participate in military action against Iran but would consider defending its soldiers stationed in Jordan and Iraq if attacked. Britain stressed it was not at war but would permit the US to use joint bases to strike Iran, citing Iran's scorched-earth strategy. Top diplomats from six Gulf states—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain—urged Iran to halt attacks immediately and asserted their right to self-defense after an emergency meeting.
Plea for Talks and Shifting Alliances
Oman, which facilitated nuclear talks and tried to keep the US and Iran engaged as tensions soared, condemned the US action as a violation of international law and peaceful dispute resolution. Despite reporting attacks near its territory, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi emphasized that the door to diplomacy remains open.
The conflict has prompted some states to shift their positions. The 22-nation Arab League, historically critical of both Israel and Iran, called Iranian attacks a blatant violation of sovereignty for peace-advocating countries. Syria, a close regional ally of Iran and staunch critic of Israel under former President Bashar Assad, singularly condemned Iran, reflecting its new government's efforts to rebuild ties with regional economic powers and the United States.
Economic and Nuclear Concerns
China, a significant buyer of Iranian oil, expressed high concern over the strikes and called for an immediate halt to military action and a return to negotiations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi downplayed worries about economic impacts on Middle East oil shipments, noting Japan has domestic reserves lasting several months.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons condemned the US and Israeli strikes. European Union leaders issued a joint statement calling for restraint and diplomacy to ensure nuclear safety, as initial details on possible effects on Iran's nuclear program began to emerge.
With thousands of global citizens stranded at airports or on cruise ships, and casualties reported from countries like the Philippines and China, more nations have a stake in the conflict's outcome. International groups are convening urgent calls and meetings, following the UN Security Council's emergency session on Saturday, hours after the strikes began.
