Global leaders have responded with concern after the United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran, triggering retaliation from Tehran and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

UK holds emergency meeting

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting to assess the situation.

A UK government spokesperson said, “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.

“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests.

“We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”

France calls for UN action

French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent UN Security Council meeting and warned the escalation was dangerous.

Macron said, “The ongoing escalation is dangerous for all. It must stop.”

He added that Iran must engage in good-faith negotiations to end its nuclear and ballistic programs, saying this was “absolutely necessary for the security of all in the Middle East.”

EU expresses concern

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described developments as “deeply concerning.”

She said, “Ensuring nuclear safety and preventing any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global non-proliferation regime is of critical importance.”

Russia condemns strikes

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the US and Israeli attacks.

Russia’s foreign ministry said, “the unprovoked armed attack by the US and Israel on Iran, which violates the principles and norms of international law and completely disregards the grave consequences for regional and global stability and security.”

UN urges return to talks

UN human rights chief Volker Türk called for the bombing to stop.

He said, “Bombs and missiles are not the way to resolve differences but only result in death, destruction and human misery.”

Oman warns negotiations undermined

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who has been mediating US-Iran talks, expressed concern.

He wrote, “Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined,” said al-Busaidi, who traveled to Washington on Friday to meet with Vice President JD Vance for talks. “Neither the interests of the United States nor the cause of global peace are well served by this. And I pray for the innocents who will suffer. I urge the United States not to get sucked in further.”