World leaders on Friday called for calm after Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on Iran, targeting over 100 sites including nuclear and military installations, and killing at least 20 senior commanders. Among those killed was Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, according to two regional sources cited by Reuters.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the attacks and pledged a strong response. In a televised address, he stated that Iran would make Israel “regret” its actions and warned of a “powerful and legitimate” retaliation.
U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized that Iran must not develop a nuclear bomb and expressed hope for renewed talks. In a Truth Social post, he acknowledged the severity of the conflict but suggested a diplomatic route could still prevent further bloodshed.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint. He expressed particular concern over the strikes on nuclear facilities amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Russia denounced the Israeli attack as “unacceptable” and “unprovoked,” with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressing concern over escalating tensions. The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv also advised Russian citizens to leave Israel.
China echoed these concerns, warning of serious consequences from further escalation. The Chinese foreign ministry called on all parties to support regional peace and stability.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said diplomacy was the only viable path forward and offered to support de-escalation efforts. France’s President Emmanuel Macron called for maximum restraint and warned against actions that could destabilize the region.
Germany reaffirmed its longstanding concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and said it would pursue all diplomatic options to prevent further conflict. It emphasized that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons must remain a priority.
Hamas labeled the Israeli strike a “dangerous escalation” that could further destabilize the Middle East. Hezbollah accused Israel of ignoring international norms and warned that the attack could ignite regional conflict.
Iraq condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and a threat to global peace and security. Jordan reiterated that its airspace would not be used for military operations and vowed to remain neutral in the conflict.
Oman, a key intermediary in nuclear negotiations, called for the international community to halt the “dangerous approach” that could derail diplomatic progress. Qatar condemned the Israeli action as a threat to regional security and a barrier to peace efforts.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attack as a provocation and a breach of international law. He urged global powers to intervene and halt what he called “Israeli banditry.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for de-escalation and warned that further conflict would benefit no one in the region. The UK urged all parties to reduce tensions immediately.
Yemen’s Huthi rebels expressed support for Iran’s nuclear development and condemned the Israeli airstrikes. They affirmed Iran’s right to respond “by all possible means.”
The situation remains tense as global powers push for diplomatic resolutions amid growing fears of a broader regional war.
