Global Powers React over US Airstrikes on Iran

The United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, in what President Donald Trump described as a “very successful attack”. The operation, code-named “Operation Midnight Hammer”, involved six B-2 bombers dropping 12 bunker-buster bombs on Fordow, while Navy submarines fired 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at Natanz and Isfahan.

Details of the Attack

• Fordow Nuclear Facility: Located about 100 km southwest of Tehran, this facility is designed to withstand airstrikes. The US used bunker-buster bombs to penetrate deep into the site.
• Natanz Nuclear Facility: Iran’s main enrichment site, where uranium was enriched up to 60% purity before Israeli strikes destroyed part of the facility.
• Isfahan Facility: Houses three Chinese research reactors and laboratories linked to Iran’s atomic program.

International Reactions

• Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump’s move, saying it would “change history” and that the US “has done what no other country on earth could do”.
• Pakistan: Condemned the US airstrikes, terming them a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace.
• China: Condemned the US airstrikes, warning that Washington may be repeating past strategic mistakes and calling for a measured, diplomatic approach.
• Saudi Arabia: Expressed concern over the developments in Iran and the targeting of its nuclear facilities.
• United Kingdom: Called on Iran to return to the negotiating table, while emphasizing that Iran’s nuclear program is a grave threat to international security.
• Japan: Urged calm and a quick de-escalation of the conflict, closely monitoring the situation with grave concern.
• New Zealand: Urged calm and a return to negotiations, declining to take a position on Trump’s move.
• Australia: Reaffirmed its call for diplomatic solutions, expressing concern over the volatile security situation in the region.
• Venezuela: Condemned the US military aggression against Iran, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities.
• Mexico: Called for diplomatic dialogue for peace between the parties involved, reiterating its commitment to pacifism and de-escalation.
• Cuba: Strongly condemned the US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, citing a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law.
• United Nations: Secretary-General António Guterres described the strikes as “dangerous escalation” and called for diplomacy.
• Other Countries: Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK expressed concern and called for de-escalation, while Russia and China strongly condemned the strikes.

International Organizations

• United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern over the use of force, warning of catastrophic consequences and calling for diplomacy.
• European Union: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged all sides to step back and prevent further escalation, emphasizing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

Other Reactions

• US Democrats Criticized President Trump’s action as unauthorized and potentially reckless, holding him accountable for any adverse consequences.
• Hamas denounced the US airstrikes as “blatant US aggression” and a “dangerous escalation”.
• Iran strongly condemned the US airstrikes, warning of far-reaching fallout and reserving the right to respond under international law

US Response

• President Trump: Warned of “far greater” consequences if Iran retaliates, saying “ANY RETALIATION BY IRAN AGAINST THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE MET WITH FORCE FAR GREATER THAN WHAT WAS WITNESSED TONIGHT”.
• US Lawmakers: Republican lawmakers largely supported Trump’s action, while most Democrats expressed concerns about the constitutionality of the move