The world woke up to a precarious new reality this Saturday following Operation 'Epic Fury,' a coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The operation, which follows weeks of escalating tensions and a significant U.S. military buildup, has triggered a swift and deeply divided response from the international community.
From emergency meetings at the United Nations to stern warnings from Russia and China, here is a detailed breakdown of how world leaders are reacting to this major escalation in the Middle East.
The United Nations: A Call for Restraint
The immediate global reaction was centered in New York, where the UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Saturday afternoon, chaired by Britain.
Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong statement condemning the violence on all sides. He criticized the "use of force" by the US and Israel, as well as the subsequent retaliation by Iran. Guterres warned that these actions "undermine international peace and security" and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all member states to respect the UN Charter.
The European Powers: "Greatly Concerning" but United Against Nuclear Threats
The response from Europe was nuanced, balancing security concerns with a desire to avoid a wider war.
- The E3 (France, Germany, UK): In a joint statement, the leaders of these three nations clarified that none of their countries participated in the strikes. However, they emphasized that they remained in "close contact" with the U.S. and Israel. They condemned Iran’s retaliation and reiterated their long-standing demand for Iran to end its nuclear program and stop destabilizing the region.
- The European Union: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen labeled the situation "greatly concerning," emphasizing the critical need to ensure nuclear safety. Meanwhile, EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas described the situation as "perilous," noting that while civilian protection is a priority, the Iranian regime remains a "serious threat to global security."
- Spain: Taking a firmer stance against the operation, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rejected the "unilateral military action," warning that it contributes to a "hostile international order."
The "Axis of Resistance": Russia and China Condemn Aggression
As expected, Iran’s closest global partners issued severe condemnations of the strikes.
- Russia: The Foreign Ministry in Moscow branded the strikes a "pre-planned and unprovoked act of aggression." They accused Washington and Tel Aviv of falsely hyping nuclear threats to pursue regime change. Russia warned that the Middle East is now in danger of plunging into a cycle of "uncontrolled escalation."
- China: A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Beijing is "highly concerned" and called for an immediate halt to military actions. China emphasized that Iran’s "sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity should be respected."
Strong Support from Western Allies
In contrast to the calls for de-escalation, key U.S. allies offered vocal support for the operation, citing the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.
- Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada supports the U.S. acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He labeled the Islamic Republic as the "principal source of instability and terror" in the region.
- Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that Australia "stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression," supporting the U.S. action to uphold international peace.
- Ukraine: In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared to endorse the Trump Administration’s strikes. He linked the conflict to his own war, noting that Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed drones used to strike Ukrainian cities over 57,000 times. "The Iranian regime chose to be an accomplice to Putin," Zelenskyy said.
The Middle East: Dismay and Fear of Spillover
Regional actors, particularly those involved in mediation, expressed frustration and fear.
- Oman: The Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, who had been mediating between Washington and Tehran, expressed "dismay." He revealed a stunning diplomatic detail: active nuclear talks had been taking place, and Iran had reportedly agreed to zero stockpiling of nuclear enrichment just prior to the attacks. He warned the U.S., "This is not your war."
- Lebanon: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned that the region is witnessing "dangerous developments" and stated that Lebanon would not accept being dragged into "adventures that threaten its security."
As the smoke rises over Tehran, the geopolitical landscape of 2026 has shifted dramatically, leaving the world waiting to see if diplomacy can resume or if the conflict will widen further.