Saudi Arabia Expresses Deep Concern Over US Strikes on Iran, Urges Calm and Restraint

Global Outcry After US Strikes Iranian Nuclear Sites: Calls for Restraint and Diplomacy.

The United States’ surprise military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have drawn swift and widespread reactions from world leaders, with many expressing deep concern over the escalation and urging immediate de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the region.

Saudi Arabia, Gulf Nations Sound Alarm
Saudi Arabia on Sunday expressed its “great concern” following the US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, condemning the violation of Iran’s sovereignty. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the Saudi Foreign Ministry urged restraint and stressed the need for a political solution, warning of the dangers of further escalation.

Neighboring Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the region, echoed the alarm. Its foreign ministry warned the escalation “may lead to catastrophic consequences at both the regional and international levels.”

Oman, long a neutral mediator in Iran-US nuclear negotiations, issued a strong condemnation. The Gulf nation expressed “deep concern, denunciation and condemnation” over the US airstrikes and their consequences for regional stability.

UN Chief Condemns Escalation, Warns of Global Consequences
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the US strikes as a “dangerous escalation” and a direct threat to international peace.

“I am gravely alarmed… This is a direct threat to international peace and security,” he said, calling on all member states to uphold the UN Charter. “There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”

Lebanon, Iraq Join Chorus for Restraint
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun warned that the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites risks dragging the region into further chaos. “Lebanon is unwilling to pay more for wars it did not start,” he said, appealing for constructive negotiations to avoid more “killing and destruction.”

Iraq, Iran’s neighbor, also condemned the strikes. A government spokesperson said the US attacks pose a grave threat to peace and could destabilize the entire Middle East.

Western Allies Offer Mixed Reactions
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the US intention to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but urged Tehran to return to negotiations. “We call on Iran to reach a diplomatic solution,” he posted on X.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hoped the strikes would lead to “de-escalation” and bring Iran back to the negotiating table.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters refrained from directly supporting the US action, instead urging all parties to resume dialogue: “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”

Asian Powers Urge Caution
In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba convened an emergency meeting with top ministers, while leading daily Yomiuri issued a special edition on the crisis.

South Korea also announced a national security meeting to discuss the regional and economic implications of the strikes.

China’s state-run media warned the US may be repeating its “Iraq mistake,” urging Washington to pursue a measured, diplomatic path and cautioning against “unintended consequences” of military intervention in the Middle East.

Australia and Israel React
Australia, which had evacuated its embassy in Tehran prior to the strikes, reiterated that Iran’s nuclear program was a threat but stressed that now was the time for diplomacy.

Israel, in stark contrast, welcomed the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised President Trump’s decision, calling it “bold” and “historic.”

“Your righteous might will change history,” Netanyahu said in a video address. Israel’s UN ambassador also thanked Trump, stating, “Never Again is not just a slogan — it’s a policy.”

US Political Reactions Split Along Party Lines
In Washington, Republican leaders and allies of President Trump lauded the strikes. Senator Lindsey Graham called it a “well-done” mission, while others like Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Katie Britt described it as a “courageous” and “surgical” action.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker praised the move as a “deliberate and correct” step to eliminate the Iranian threat.

While most Democrats criticized the unilateral military action, Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman broke ranks to back Trump, saying: “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities.”

Others voiced constitutional concerns. Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican, called the strike “not Constitutional,” and Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said military action should follow congressional approval.

The Senate is expected to vote this week on a resolution by Sen. Tim Kaine requiring congressional authorization for military action against Iran.