Global Outcry as Israel Launches Strikes on Iran: UN, China, EU, Saudi Arabia Condemn Attack
A wave of global condemnation has followed Israel’s launch of Operation Rising Lion, a surprise military strike on Iranian territory announced early Friday.
The Israeli government claimed the operation aimed to “neutralise threats from Iran,” but critics say it risks plunging the already fragile Middle East into deeper chaos.
In a nationally televised address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared: “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history. Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion… This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
However, the move has triggered a fierce international backlash and alarmed world leaders, especially given its timing—coinciding with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Reacting swiftly and angrily, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused Israel of a grave provocation: “The Zionist regime has committed a crime in our dear country today at dawn with its satanic, bloodstained hands… The Zionist regime has prepared for itself a bitter, painful fate, which it will definitely see.”
The United Nations condemned the military escalation. A spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres stated: “The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East. He is particularly concerned by Israeli attacks on nuclear installations in Iran while talks between Iran and the United States on the status of Iran’s nuclear programme are underway.”
Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, called the move “deeply regrettable.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, warned: “This risks further destabilising a region that is already volatile.”
China, through spokesperson Lin Jian, stated: “China opposes the violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity… China is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation.”
Oman, a key mediator in the nuclear talks, described the strike as: “A dangerous, reckless escalation… a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter.” Oman held Israel “responsible for this escalation and its consequences.”
France’s Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, urged restraint: “We call on all parties to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could compromise regional stability.”
Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, echoed the call: “We urge both sides to refrain from steps that could lead to further escalation.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized diplomacy: “Escalation serves no one in the region. Stability in the Middle East must be the priority.”
Saudi Arabia issued one of the region’s harshest responses: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Israeli aggressions against the brotherly Islamic Republic of Iran… The international community and the Security Council bear a great responsibility to immediately halt this aggression.”
Despite the international pressure, Israel appears resolute in continuing its military campaign. Analysts fear the assault could derail delicate nuclear negotiations and potentially ignite a broader regional war involving Hezbollah, Syrian militias, or even U.S. assets in the region.
