EU Urges ‘Maximum Restraint’; Oman Warns US Not to Get More Involved
Toye Faleye/Aljazeera
The conflict between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, has caused global alarm and led to urgent calls for calm.
While atomic talks with Tehran continue, several groups have criticised Washington’s role in the attacks.
The situation worsened when Iran launched missile strikes at US military sites in several Gulf states, prompting concerns among governments in the region.
United States
President Donald Trump stated that the United States was involved in military operations intended to address perceived threats from the Iranian government.
As missiles were launched toward Tehran and other areas, Trump noted targets would include Iran’s missile capabilities and navy.
He also encouraged Iranian citizens to seek governmental change.
A defence official told Reuters that the joint US-Israeli actions were planned in advance, with the operation scheduled weeks earlier.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the operation’s goal was to address threats attributed to Iran and provide conditions for Iranian society to determine its future.
Iran
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs blamed Israel and the US for escalating the situation, citing the United Nations Charter and issuing counterattack threats.
Iran then struck Israeli and US military sites in Gulf states, including Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait. A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that all regional American and Israeli interests would now be targets, and responses would not be limited.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah described the US-Israeli actions as violations of international law and the UN Charter, stating that such actions could impact regional stability.
The group expressed support for Iran and urged other regional actors to take the situation seriously and reflect on its wider implications.
United Nations
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all parties to stop fighting immediately. International peace could result in grave consequences for civilians and the region’s overall security.
Because of the growing crisis, the UN Security Council has set an emergency meeting for Saturday.
European Union
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa called the conflict “greatly concerning” and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and fully respect international law.
Red Cross
Mirjana Spoljaric, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, requested that countries adhere to the rules of armed conflict and take actions to reduce loss of life and property. She noted there may be widespread military escalation across the Middle East, which would have serious effects for civilians.
Oman
Oman, a mediator in US-Iran discussions, expressed concern regarding the recent violence. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi advised that the conflict would not advance US interests or international stability and encouraged the United States not to further increase its involvement.
Oman called for an immediate ceasefire and an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
Germany, France, the UK
In a joint statement, the prime ministers of Germany, France, and the UK condemned Iranian attacks in the region and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and civilian protection. They also called for the resumption of US-Iran talks.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting, saying the conflict has “serious consequences” for international peace and security. “The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It must stop,” he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an address that UK forces “are active and British planes are in the sky today as part of coordinated regional defensive operations”.
“Iran can end this now,” he said, urging them to “give up their weapons programmes, and cease the appalling violence and repression against the Iranian people”.
Qatar
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Iran for firing missiles at Qatari territory, where the Al Udeid Air Base hosts US troops. The ministry called the attacks a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a direct threat to its security. It also said Qatar reserves the right to respond under international law.
United Arab Emirates
The Ministry of Defence expressed that the UAE’s Ministry of Defence opposed Iran’s actions, including the use of air defences.
The Ministry called the situation an escalation and said the UAE has the right to respond under international law. An Iranian missile attack targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which it hosts, and called the attack “treacherous”.
Kuwait
The MiKuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Iran’s actions on its territory a violation of international law and said it has the right to respond.
The Ministry also warned that additional escalation would further harm the region.
Arabia
Saudi Arabia officially opposed Iran’s missile strikes on Gulf Arab states and said it was concerned about possible effects on the region.
Turkiye
Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged everyone to stop fighting, saying the situation started with US and Israeli actions against Iran and then spread to other countries, creating risks for both regional and global stability.
Pakistan
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned the actions against Iran and called for a cessation of activities and a return to diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, voiced criticism that the US used nuclear talks with Iran as a cover prior to military operations. Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked for an objective evaluation of what it described as actions that could further destabilise the region.
China
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for “an immediate halt to military actions” and urged a return to “dialogue and negotiations” to keep peace and stability in the region. It also said that “Iran’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected.”
India
India’s Ministry of External Affairs called for restraint and the avoidance of escalation, emphasising that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued and that sovereignty should be respected.
This came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, where he praised the partnership.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Iran of being responsible for the chain of events leading to the conflict, including its crackdown on protests earlier this year. “The cause of the current events is precisely ?”
The violence and impunity of the Iranian regime, in particular the killings and repression of peaceful protesters, which have become particularly widespread in recent months,” said the Foreign Ministry.
Norway
Foreign Minister Espen Barth said the initial attack on Iran by Israel breached standards of international law. “The attack is described by Israel as a preventive strike, but ?” It is not in line with international law,” said Barth. “Preventive attacks require an immediately imminent threat.”
Belgium
Foreign Minister Maxime Prevost said the Iranian people “must not pay the price for their government’s choices. We deeply regret that diplomatic attempts could not lead earlier to a negotiated solution.”
Canada
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada supports the Iranian population and affirmed Israel’s right to security. Carney also reiterated Canadian support for US efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
Ireland
Ireland’s prime minister, Michael Martin, requested that all parties act with caution to avert escalation and broader conflict.
“The protection of civilian life in Iran, in Israel and in all neighbouring countries must now be paramount,” he said.
Venezuela
Venezuela’s government noted that military action against Iran occurred during ongoing diplomatic talks, and characterised both the strike and Iran’s response as not aligned with efforts to resolve issues through diplomacy.
