Governments around the world urged restraint after the United States and Israel launched a major assault, and Iran vowed retaliation.
Leaders in Europe and around the world on Saturday urged all sides to exercise restraint after the United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran.
President Trump said the attack was intended to eliminate Iran's nuclear program and lead to a change in government, after several rounds of nuclear talks involving the two sides failed to reach a deal. Iran's foreign ministry asked the U.N. Security Council "to take immediate action to confront the violation of international peace and security."
Here's what other governments are saying:
- Britain: The British government said it had not participated in the strikes and did "not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict." It added that it had recently enhanced its defensive capabilities in the Middle East and that its immediate priority was the safety of British citizens in the region. "Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution," the government said in a statement.
- Germany: A government spokesman said in a statement that Germany had been informed by Israel in advance of the strikes. Chancellor Friedrich Merz "is monitoring the development closely and is in close coordination with European partners," the statement said. Mr. Merz is scheduled to meet Mr. Trump in Washington next week.
- European Union: Kaja Kallas, the top E.U. diplomat, said that she had spoken to Israel's foreign minister and to other officials in the region, and was "coordinating closely with Arab partners to explore diplomatic paths." The E.U.'s top executive, Ursula von der Leyen, and its top political leader, Antonio Costa, wrote in a joint statement that it was crucial to prevent "any actions that could further escalate tensions or undermine the global nonproliferation regime."
- Lebanon: Top leaders called on all parties to prioritize the welfare of Iranian citizens. The remarks appeared directed at the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, amid questions over whether the weakened, Iran-backed organization might attempt to enter the conflict in support of Iran.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia called the reports of retaliatory Iranian strikes on Arab nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, "a blatant violation" of their national sovereignty. "Saudi Arabia affirms its full solidarity and support for these brotherly nations, pledging all its resources to assist them in any measures they take," the foreign ministry said in a statement posted on social media.
- Switzerland: The government said it was "deeply alarmed" by the strikes. It called for "full respect of international law" and urged all parties "to exercise maximum restraint" and to protect civilians.
Reporting was contributed by Michael D. Shear, Jim Tankersley, Abdi Latif Dahir, Rawan Sheikh Ahmad and Jeanna Smialek.