US and Israeli Military Strikes on Iran
American and Israeli forces have conducted strikes on multiple cities across Iran, described by US President Donald Trump as "major combat operations".
Following what Israel termed a "preemptive attack," Trump urged the Iranian populace to rise up and called for government forces to surrender. He later claimed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, a statement not confirmed by Iran.
In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it was retaliating by targeting US bases and assets throughout the Middle East under the operation named "Truthful Promise 4." This escalation follows weeks of threats and negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program.
International Community Reactions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the escalation, warning of its detrimental impact on international peace and security.
"The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security," he stated.
"I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability."
During an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York on Saturday afternoon, US Ambassador Mike Waltz justified the strikes as targeting "specific and strategic objectives: to dismantle missile capabilities that threaten allies, to degrade naval assets used to destabilise international waters, and to disrupt the machinery that arms proxy militias and to ensure the Iranian regime, never ever can threaten the world with a nuclear weapon."
Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon stated:
"Israel together with the United States acted to stop an existential threat to Israel, to our allies, and to global stability.
When a regime chants 'death to Israel,' 'Death to America', we take it seriously. We believe them and we act. Our objectives are clear."
Russia, an ally of Iran, condemned the strikes. Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzia warned:
"The aggression that Iran was subjected to today has already resulted in an escalation in the region and could spill over far beyond its borders."
Moscow had earlier urged the international community to evaluate what it described as "irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security" in the Middle East.
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who had been mediating the recent US-Iran nuclear talks, expressed dismay.
"Active and serious negotiations have yet again been undermined," he wrote on X, advising the US that the strikes neither serve their interests nor those of global peace.
"I urge the United States not to get sucked in further. This is not your war."
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the joint US and Israeli strikes as "wholly unprovoked, illegal, and illegitimate."
In a post on X, he said that Trump has turned "America First into Israel First - which always means America Last."
Saudi Arabia denounced Iran's retaliatory attacks on Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait, condemning what it called "blatant Iranian aggression" in the strongest terms.
"The Kingdom [of Saudi Arabia] affirms its full solidarity with and unwavering support for the brotherly countries, and its readiness to place all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake," the foreign ministry stated.
A joint statement from French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged Iran to "seek a negotiated solution."
The statement, shared on X by the German Embassy in London, noted that these countries have consistently urged the Iranian regime to end its nuclear and missile programs, refrain from "destabilising activity," and cease the "appalling violence and repression against its own people."
"We did not participate in these strikes," the leaders said, adding they remain in contact with international partners, including the US, Israel, and others in the region.
"We urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution. Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future."
Sir Keir mentioned that British aircraft were "in the sky today" over the Middle East as part of "co-ordinated regional defensive operations to protect our people, our interests and our allies."
Earlier, Macron described the "outbreak" as carrying "grave consequences for international peace and security," warning that ongoing escalation is "dangerous for all."
"France also stands ready to deploy the necessary resources to protect its closest partners at their request," he added.
Germany reported being informed of the attack in advance, with Chancellor Merz consulting relevant security ministers.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union's top diplomat, characterized the latest developments as "perilous."
"The EU has adopted strong sanctions against Iran and supported diplomatic solutions, including on the nuclear issue," she said in a statement on X, adding she has spoken with Israel's and other regional foreign ministers.
"Protection of civilians and international humanitarian law is a priority."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office announced plans to consult allies and regional leaders to support efforts aimed at easing tensions.
Brazil's government condemned the US and Israeli attacks, expressing "grave concern."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated his country's support for the US "acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security."
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called for restraint and urged all parties "to see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the 'negotiating table'."
"As always, in any armed conflict, it is civilians who end up paying the ultimate price," he said, emphasizing that protecting civilians is "paramount" under international law.
Statements from US and Israeli Leaders
Earlier on Saturday, President Trump posted a detailed video on his Truth Social platform confirming US involvement:
"Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime," he said, adding that Washington aims to "ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon."
He also advised the Iranian people to stay sheltered and avoid leaving their homes.
"When we are finished, take over your government," he urged. "It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu similarly called upon the Iranian people "to throw off the yoke of tyranny and bring about a free and peaceful Iran."
Thanking Trump, he reiterated that Iran "must not be armed with nuclear weapons that would allow it to threaten all of humanity."
"Our joint action will create the conditions for the courageous Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands."
