Israeli airstrikes on Iran trigger worldwide calls for restraint

The international community has condemned Israel’s recent military strikes on Iran, which targeted key nuclear and missile facilities and reportedly killed high-ranking Iranian officials, including Army Chief Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami.

The strikes have triggered urgent calls for restraint from the United Nations, world powers, and regional actors amid fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the escalation, expressing particular concern about Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites during ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.

“The Secretary-General condemns any military escalation in the Middle East,” said Farhan Haq, spokesperson for Guterres.

Guterres urged all parties to adhere to the UN Charter and international law, calling on both sides to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid deeper conflict that the region “can hardly afford.”

In a YouTube address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces struck “the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs.”

Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of top military leaders, including Gen. Hossein Salami. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “severe punishment” in response to the strikes.

“The Zionist regime has committed a crime with its satanic, bloodstained hands, targeting residential areas,” Khamenei said.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the strikes as a “dangerous moment,” urging all parties to exercise restraint.

Saudi Arabia, which reconciled with Iran two years ago, condemned the attacks, calling them “blatant Israeli aggressions” that violate international law and undermine regional security.

US President Donald Trump expressed hope for a return to negotiations with Iran despite the strikes. He confirmed prior knowledge of the attacks but denied any US military involvement.

US Central Command was placed on high alert amid concerns over possible retaliation. The US recently replenished Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, according to officials.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya condemned the strikes and called for calm and restraint from all parties.

Jordan warned it would not allow violations of its airspace or become a battleground, emphasizing the “safety of the homeland is a red line.”

Oman, a key mediator in Iran-US talks, cautioned that the Israeli attack threatens diplomatic efforts and regional stability.

Australia and New Zealand also voiced deep concern. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for diplomacy and dialogue, while New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters warned the situation risked a regional war with catastrophic consequences.

The Chinese embassy in Tehran described the security situation as “severe and complicated” and urged Chinese citizens and businesses to take precautions.