Tensions in the Middle East have triggered global responses, with China and the United Kingdom offering sharply different views on the United States’ recent military actions against Iran.
American fighter jets targeted nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow in the early hours of Sunday, acting on orders from President Donald Trump.
The strikes deepened Washington’s entanglement in the region’s long-standing conflicts and prompted swift international commentary.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Iran’s nuclear ambitions as “a grave threat to international security,” adding that the US had acted to reduce that danger.
He urged Iran to return to the negotiation process and push for a diplomatic end to the crisis. His comments were aligned with those of Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who said Iran should “show restraint”.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need for calm.
She said “stability must be the priority” and “respect for international law is critical”.
“Now is the moment for Iran to engage in a credible diplomatic solution. The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” she added.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for immediate calm, stating that “a de-escalation as soon as possible is more important than anything” while stressing that “at the same time, Iran’s nuclear weapons development must be stopped”.
But global unity stopped there. China firmly condemned the US strikes, particularly the targeting of nuclear sites. Its foreign ministry said the bombings “seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East”.
China also demanded that all parties involved “Israel in particular” agree to a ceasefire, protect civilians, and return to talks.
Russia backed this stance fully. Moscow’s foreign ministry denounced the strikes, calling them an “irresponsible decision” and saying they “flagrantly violate international law”.
“We call for an end to aggression and for increased efforts to create conditions for returning the situation to a political and diplomatic track,” the ministry stated.
Tehran had earlier warned that any such move by the US would carry lasting consequences.