Concern Over Escalation, Recognition of Iranian Nuclear Threat Dominate World Reaction to U.S. Strikes

Latest Developments

• Calls for Peace: Calls for restraint dominated international reactions following the bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the U.S. Air Force, but many leaders also emphasized the threat Iran’s nuclear program posed before the strikes. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the U.S. has taken action to alleviate that threat,” adding that Iran should return to the negotiating table. French President Emmanuel Macron urged a return to negotiations, stating that the “resumption of diplomatic and technical discussions is the only way to achieve the objective we are all seeking, which is that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons, but also that there is no uncontrolled escalation in the region.” 
• EU Foreign Policy Chief Calls to ‘Step Back’: Expresses Concerns and Relief: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged “all sides to step back” and return to negotiations but added that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. The sentiment was echoed by most European officials, including Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who said that Iranian nuclear facilities “represented a danger for the entire area.” Meanwhile, Arab nations offered little pushback over the strikes on their neighbor in Iran, with Saudi Arabia expressing “deep concern” and Qatar stating its “regrets” over escalating tensions. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that his country “had paid a heavy price for the war” in the region and was “unwilling to pay more,” in a signal to the Iran-backed terrorist organization Hezbollah to stay out of the conflict.
• ‘Axis of Aggressors’ Lash Out: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on every UN member to condemn the attack and threatened “everlasting consequences.” China condemned the strikes as violating international law, with Pakistan, Venezuela, and Cuba following with condemnations against the “U.S. military aggression.” The deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, mocked Trump’s claim to be a “peacemaker president,” warning that “several countries” who were not named were ready to supply Tehran with nuclear weapons.

FDD Expert Response

“While many in the international community call for an immediate ceasefire between the United States and Iran, it is important to acknowledge the comments of the Defense Department and the White House in the immediate aftermath of the strikes. The Pentagon reiterated that it is not seeking regime change through armed conflict, making clear that if Iran does not retaliate against U.S. forces in the region, it is unlikely that any additional bombing operations will occur. The ball is very much in Iran’s court. The regime can either abandon its illegal nuclear weapons program or face the prospect of further U.S. and Israeli military action targeting a larger swath of targets linked to nuclear enrichment, mining, and weapons development.” — Tyler Stapleton, Director of Congressional Relations at FDD Action

“Iran’s strategy of using proxies to pretend it wasn’t openly attacking the United States and its allies finally came to a crushing end. The United States acted to prevent the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism from acquiring the most dangerous weapon in the world. It is not surprising that some of the worst dictatorships and violators of international law have condemned the United States for making the world safer.” — David May, Research Manager and Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“Iran Launches Dozens of Missiles at Israeli Civilians After U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Facilities,” FDD Flash Brief

“US dealt Iran’s nukes a major blow — but here’s why the cheers may be premature,” by Mark Dubowitz and Ben Cohen

“US strike inflicts ‘severe damage and destruction’ on 3 Iranian nuclear facilities, CJCS Caine states,” by Bill Roggio

“‘Completely and Totally Obliterated’: U.S. Strikes Iranian Nuclear Facilities, Including Underground Fordow Enrichment Site,” FDD Flash Brief