Global Reactions to U.S. Strikes on Iran: China, UN Warn of ‘Catastrophic Consequences’

The United States’ airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday have triggered a wave of urgent global reactions, with leaders across the world warning of a looming regional escalation and calling for immediate de-escalation.

The strikes—Washington’s first direct military move in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Tehran—came despite President Donald Trump previously stating he would take “up to two weeks” to decide on military action. After the operation, Trump hailed it as a “spectacular success,” even as Iran insisted no irreversible damage had occurred at its Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.

Global Reactions:

Iran

Iran reacted furiously. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strikes “outrageous” and a “lawless and criminal” act, warning of “everlasting consequences.”

“In accordance with the UN Charter… Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty,” he said.
The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran called the attack “barbaric” and vowed that nuclear development would continue despite Western aggression.

China

China, via CGTN, slammed the U.S. strikes as a “dangerous turning point”, comparing the move to past U.S. missteps like the 2003 Iraq War.

“Military interventions in the Middle East have repeatedly led to regional destabilization,” the commentary warned, urging diplomacy over force.

United Nations

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed,” warning that the conflict could spiral.

“There is no military solution… The only path forward is diplomacy,” he urged in a statement.

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s decision.

“Your bold decision… will change history,” Netanyahu said, calling the strikes a fulfillment of Israel’s long-standing goal to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Hamas

Palestinian group Hamas called the strikes a “blatant U.S. aggression” and a “dangerous escalation.”

“This is a direct threat to international peace,” it said, calling the act a violation of sovereignty and global law.

U.S. Democrats

Top Democrats condemned Trump’s move, calling it unilateral and unconstitutional.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Trump of misleading the public.

“Trump bears full responsibility for any fallout from this reckless strike,” he stated.

New Zealand

Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged calm, saying it was one of the “most serious crises” he had ever encountered.

“Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution,” he said, avoiding a direct comment on the U.S. action.

Japan

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Major outlets like Yomiuri issued extra editions to cover the rapidly unfolding events.

South Korea

South Korea’s presidential office scheduled an emergency session to evaluate national security and economic risks related to the U.S. airstrikes.

Australia

Australia had already evacuated its embassy in Tehran ahead of the strike and reaffirmed support for peaceful resolutions.

“We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy,” an Australian government spokesperson said.

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As tension mounts, there is growing international anxiety that the U.S. strikes have ignited a new phase in the Middle East conflict—one that could have unpredictable and far-reaching consequences for global security.