Saturday morning attacks on Iran by the US and Israeli forces and the subsequent retaliatory actions have continued to generate reactions.
President Donald Trump stated on Saturday morning that the US was involved in a “major combat operation” to “eliminate threats from the Iranian regime.”
US and Israeli missiles struck many places in Tehran and throughout Iran as American leaders promised to destroy Iran’s missile program and its navy, while also encouraging the Iranian people to replace their government.
Reuters, according to Al Jazeera, cited a high-ranking Israeli defense official who stated that the combined US-Israeli strikes were planned over several months, with a specific date determined weeks earlier.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacks were meant to eliminate an “existential threat” from Iran.
He said the attacks would “make it possible for the brave Iranian people to take control of their own future.”
However, Iran’s foreign ministry blamed Israel and the US for breaking the UN charter because of their attacks and promised a strong reaction.
The country is carrying out attacks against Israel and also targeting several Gulf nations that have US military bases, such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait
A top Iranian official told Al Jazeera that all American and Israeli assets and interests in the Middle East are now considered a valid target. There are no red lines after this aggression.
However the world has reacted differently to the attack.
European Union
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President, Antonio Costa described the conflict as “greatly concerning” and asked all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, to protect civilians, and to fully respect international law.”
Qatar
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized Iran for launching missiles at Qatari land, where the Al Udeid Air Base is located, and where U.S. military personnel are based. The ministry said the attacks were a clear violation of Qatar’s national sovereignty and a direct attack on its security. It said that Qatar has the right to respond according to international law.
Belgium
Belgium foreign Minister, Maxime Prevot, stated that the Iranian people “should not have to suffer because of their government’s decisions.”
Oman
Oman, which has been the main mediator in the current US-Iran talks, is sad that violence broke out and that a deal was not reached earlier through talks. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that the conflict does not benefit the United States or worldwide peace, and encouraged Washington to avoid getting more involved.
Norway
Norway foreign Minister, Espen Barth, stated that Israel’s first attack on Iran went against the rules of international law. Barth said the attack is called a preventive strike by Israel, “but it doesn’t fit with international law. Preventive attacks are only justified when there is an immediate and clear threat.”
France
President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, warning that the conflict has “serious consequences” for global peace and security.
“The current escalation is dangerous for everyone. It has to stop,” he said, adding that Iran now needs to “enter into serious talks to end its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as its actions that are causing instability in the region.”
United Arab Emirates
The Ministry of Defence in the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iran’s attacks on its territory, saying that several of these attacks were intercepted by its air defense systems. It called the attack “a dangerous escalation and a cowardly act that threatens the security and safety of civilians,” and said the UAE has “the full right” to respond.
Bahrain
Bahrain said that an Iranian missile attack hit the main building of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, which is based there, and described the attack as “treacherous.”
Kuwait
Kuwait’s foreign Ministry called the Iranian attack on its territory a “clear break” of international law and said it has the right to take action. It said that any more conflict would make the situation in the region even worse.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia strongly criticized the Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab countries and warned of serious consequences.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly criticized the unnecessary attacks on Iran and urged an immediate stop to the situation worsening. He emphasized the need to quickly restart diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful and agreed-upon solution to the crisis.
Ukraine
Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Iran is to blame for the series of events that caused the conflict, including its actions against protests earlier this year. “The reason for the current situation is clearly the violence and lack of punishment by the Iranian government, especially the killing and harsh treatment of peaceful protesters, which have become very common in recent months,” said the Foreign Ministry.
