The News
Global leaders urged restraint Friday after Israel launched a major string of strikes on Iran aimed at paralyzing the country’s nuclear and military might.
Countries around the world called on Israel and Iran to seek a diplomatic resolution to hostilities, as fears of a regional war mounted following the biggest attack on Iranian soil in decades.
The View From Europe
Longstanding Israel allies France, Germany, and the United Kingdom warned of rising tensions in the region and called on all parties to “exercise restraint” and “avoid further escalation.”
French President Emmanuel Macron said he had convened a special defense cabinet meeting Friday to discuss the situation, and called for “maximum restraint” from all parties while affirming “Israel’s right to defend itself.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had held a phone call with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu Friday morning and emphasized Germany’s readiness to use “all available diplomatic means” to help de-escalate.
The View From The Middle East
Oman, which has played a mediating role recent nuclear talks between Iran and the US, denounced Israel’s strikes as “a dangerous, reckless escalation,” calling the attack “a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter and international law” and saying it holds Israel responsible for fueling regional instability.
Gulf leaders condemned the Israeli strikes and urged de-escalation. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister held calls with counterparts in Iran, Jordan, and Egypt on avoiding a regional escalation, while the UAE urged “the utmost self-restraint” and called on the UN Security Council to seek a ceasefire; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the Israeli attacks, calling them “reckless, aggressive and lawless.”
However, popular reaction in the Gulf was to some degree celebratory, with pro-Israel memes and praise on social media reflecting the role Iran has played in destabilizing Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen via its proxies.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s military said it intercepted Iranian drones and missiles aimed at Israel that violated its airspace Friday, with a Jordanian official telling AFP the kingdom “will not be a battleground for any conflict.”
The View From China
China condemned what it described as an attack on Iran’s sovereignty and offered to play “a constructive role in easing the situation.”
Beijing has in recent years signaled its intent to expand its influence in the Middle East, as part of its broader strategic rivalry with the United States.
The View From Russia
Moscow on Friday accused Israel of wrecking diplomatic efforts to strike a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program, calling the strikes “unprovoked” and in violation of the United Nations charter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to urge the “resolution of all issues ... strictly through political and diplomatic means,” according to the Kremlin; in a separate call, Putin offered condolences to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.