'Gravely alarmed': world leaders react to US strikes on Iran

Washington: The US airstrike on Iran early Sunday has intensified fears that Israel’s war with Tehran could spiral into a wider regional confrontation, prompting renewed calls for diplomacy from global powers.

Though President Donald Trump had initially indicated he would make a decision within two weeks, the move came within days, marking Washington’s direct entry into Israel’s campaign to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

The extent of the damage remained unclear, but Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate if the U.S. joined the conflict. The escalation has raised questions over how Iran will respond—whether by backing down or rallying its regional allies to target American assets across the Gulf.

Governments and officials around the world responded Sunday to the U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites, voicing alarm over escalating tensions and urging a return to diplomacy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “gravely alarmed” by the use of force by the United States.

“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world,” he said in a statement on the social media platform X. “I call on Member States to de-escalate.” “There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy.”

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged “all parties to return to talks.” He wouldn't tell reporters Sunday whether New Zealand supported President Trump's actions, saying they had only just happened.

The three-time foreign minister said the crisis is “the most serious I've ever dealt with" and that “critical further escalation is avoided.” “Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,” he said.

A flash commentary from China's government-run media asked whether the US is repeating “its Iraq mistake in Iran”. The online piece by CGTN, the foreign-language arm of the state broadcaster, said the US strikes mark a dangerous turning point.

“History has repeatedly shown that military interventions in the Middle East often produce unintended consequences, including prolonged conflicts and regional destabilisation,” it said, citing the American invasion of Iraq in 2003.

It said a measured, diplomatic approach that prioritises dialogue over military confrontation offers the best hope for stability in the Middle East.

Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to hold a meeting with key ministers Sunday afternoon to discuss the impact of the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to Japan's NHK television.

Japan's largest-circulation newspaper, Yomiuri, is distributing an extra edition on the attack in Tokyo.

South Korea's presidential office said it would hold an emergency meeting Sunday to discuss the security and economic ramifications of the US strikes and potential South Korean responses.

Australia, which shuttered its embassy in Tehran and evacuated staff Friday, continued to push for a diplomatic end to the conflict.

“We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme has been a threat to international peace and security,” a government official said in a written statement. “We note the US President's statement that now is the time for peace.” “The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.”

(inputs from PTI)